AT&T started to talk about its new HSPA 7.2 service upgrade for its existing 3G network a few weeks back. AT&T is looking to fill the demand for more data speeds with 7.2Mbps data connections ahead of its 2011 rollout of LTE 4G service.

AT&T says that the 7.2Mbps speeds are theoretical and that users will see speeds dependent on their device and network traffic. The six cities to get the new service include Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami. Service is expected in these cities by the end of 2009.

AT&T is also adding more backhaul connections to improve the performance of its network for the HSPA 7.2 service and the coming LTE service. The carrier hopes to offer HSPA 7.2 service in most of its existing 3G network areas by the end of 2011.