Sprint still contemplating switch to LTE, will decide come summer 49
Tue, 15 Feb 2011 7:07 pm EST
Over in Spain at MWC, Bob Azzi (Sprint Senior Vice President of Networks) let a little nugget loose about Sprint’s torrid affair with LTE: they could still switch to LTE from WiMAX. The fact that Sprint’s still giving consideration to LTE lends credence to the thought that the switch could actually happen, Azzi said that Sprint is studying adoption rates of WiMAX on their network over the next four to six months, after which point they’ll make the decision as to whether or not to stop/slow WiMAX deployments in favor of LTE, which has proven to be faster and more capable of penetrating buildings.
Sprint’s dilemma comes as more and more networks worldwide are deploying LTE towers, including CDMA competitor Verizon. The switch would allow Sprint to continue using the same spectrums over which they currently hold rights, and would make it easier on device makers to produce 4G devices for Sprint and Verizon.
Additionally, Sprint is actively working to improve their network, launching a modernization project called Network Vision that will invest some $4 billion to $5 billion in upgrades over the next three to five years. The project will consist of Sprint phasing out the old 800MHz Nextel iDEN network in 2013 (with a push-to-talk replacement for CDMA) while they deploy new “multi-mode base stations” that will allow Sprint greater flexibility while simultaneously permitting smaller tower footprints and lower power consumption. Sprint also intends to overhaul their backend, replacing wired T1 connections with microwave transmissions or fiber.
Source: FierceWireless; Via: Engadget, PhoneDog; Thanks to Achill3s and Spreng for the tips!
49 Comments
What does this have to do with the Palm Pre?
HP plans to make LTE devices. No plans for Wimax.
You're right. I haven't heard them mention anything about Wimax, just LTE. I'm on a Sprint Pre and the 3G speeds are good enough for me. I just want an option to upgrade my phone to another webOS device.
The ONLY thing I want to hear about from Sprint is when I can get a new Pre. OR tell me it isn't going to happen so I can look for a lesser replacement phone.
do you mean look for another phone service provider?
Sprint and Palm have always been buddy buddy, and a good amount of us are on Sprint, so this is valid news, could also be why no 4g pre3, they are waiting to see where Sprints cards are with actual future signal types.
I'd prefer LTE personally, sick of never having reception, even in small buildings for EVDO.
As far as "what does it have to do with the Pre" (there's no "reply" button in mobile mode... /me rolls his eyes ), that will probably mean an even longer delay for it hitting Sprint because no one will know what radio to put in it. The designs are (by now, I assume) totally frozen. Changing out antennas for the CDMA model(s) would mean an (almost) complete redesign.
w00t...
M.
I say do a Wimax model who really cares... I want the Pre3 with 4G I dont really care about what the underlying tech is as long as it works when I need it to!
That's just the thing... LTE is more likely to work "when you need it to"
Id love to see Sprint join the rest of the world in LTE so phone manufacturers don't have to build Sprint specific devices. More selection for all of us. One thing Im confused on. I know the towers can easily be converted for LTE but the wiimax radios in the phones couldn't be upgraded for LTE. Is that right?
The towers can be converted "easily" by swapping out a hardware card and patching some software. Would be cool if phones were modular enough that you could swap out the radio, but that is not the case.
It isn't just Sprint. WiMax is big elsewhere (i.e. South Korea)
Oh, did you just mean the USA when you said "rest of the world"
what does this mean. It's so bright. So vivid. Double rainbow Double rainbow.
SO intense!
Why is everything so BLUE?!?
- King Louis XVI
M.
Love the facebook spoof.
As for the rumor.. the more the carriers standardize, the better for consumers I would think (unless they standardize on crap). As a Sprint user, I would welcome LTE because it potentially opens the door for more phone selection.
"Verizon Wireless likes this"
they need to get LTE, so we can get free roaming on Verizon LTE lawl
Why do they just not do an LTE/3g Phone while they migrate the network? I would be happy with that. I do not need Wimax rightnow, It's so limited anyway right now.
I read sometime back that Sprint sign up a contract with alcatel/ericson to build their towers(which will make them easily upgradable to LTE). The other thing is that alcatel came up with a lightRadioCube(cell tower with the size of a golf ball)
http://www.itworld.com/mobile-amp-wireless/136049/alcatel-lucent-plans-s...
and it can communicate with other mini cell towers using microwave(they're still working on this but I'm sure it's coming).
At the end standardization will benefit everybody - customers and manufacturers. It's a win win situation and LTE seems to be the way to go - no need for format war:)
new HP products will use up more data if everything is sync up to the cloud no doubt about it. Sprint seems to be the first choice for this since they're intending to keep their unlimited data plans and not cap it like other providers.
Great job on the spoof facebook art Derek! Having Verizon like the post took my response from a smirk to a chuckle.
Best one yet.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, DEREK!!
Lol @ the Facebook spoof! Well done sir! :)
I'm about tired of Sprint.. They get a million new subscribers and now they are ready to stick it to the Premier customers with fee hikes and upgrade rollbacks. Those things coupled with charging extra for 4g, yet not truly rolling it out are all fails for me and Sprint and I've been with them for over 7 years. Not to mention, they've made no mention of carrying the new webOS devices. It seems like Verizon is really on board with webOS and a host of other really nice devices. The extra $50/month is starting to not look so bad when i start comparing service and coverage!
I did like Sprint, but i don't like how they are treating me now that they are gaining in consumer market share. They are starting to act like all the other guys in giving you less and asking you to pay more. If all the services are going to choose to fuck me, then I may as well go to the one that fucks me the best..gives me the most "fuck (bang) for the buck!"
Derek, there is a factual error in this article.
LTE does not offer better building penetration than WiMAX. In fact, building penetration has nothing to do with the technology, and has everything to do with the spectral band used for transmission. Verizon's LTE has better building penetration than Sprint's WiMAX because it is on the 700MHz band and Sprint is using the 2.5GHz band. You could easily have the roles reversed, and WiMAX on 700MHz would penetrate buildings well while LTE on 2.5GHz (which is actually closer to EU deployment frequencies) would not be as efficient.
I sooooo couldn't have said it better myself. I had (sold it on ebay) and EVO and only bought it because of the 4G. Well, its terrible. Now i'm going to Verizon for the ThunderBolt or a Palm phone with LTE. 700MHz FTW! I love Sprint they are just as equal to Verizon, but 4G is the future and Sprint failed with 4G (their frequency). I don't mind paying more for better service.
Sprint owns the 800MHz spectrum with their Nextel purchase. It would make a lot of sense to put LTE on that spectrum and use the higher frequency spectrum for 3G.
LTE is just simpler to deploy and has better coverage with the lower frequency range. Plus it opens up to roaming agreements.
Could this be also why the Pre3 has the WTF delay???
It could be. With the new Enyo app development framework in "Alpha" state, it may take a few months for the environment to stabilize.
Of course, I am ready for a newer, better webOS phone right now.
I never thought I'd hear the day that Sprint would consider moving off WiMAX. I'll amend my earlier comments to say that we'd see a webOS phone on Sprint once HP releases a WiMAX model OR Sprint moves to LTE. Both options are equally feasible at this point.
If Sprint goes WiMax, then what's going to happen with voice? Will we forever cursed to run two radios, one for 3g voice and wimax for data?
Verizon has the right vision to migrate both voice and data over to LTE. One radio, low battery usage. Sprint really should dump iDen and run LTE on the former 800Mhz frequencies. Then let clear keep running WiMax on 2300.
I just like the Facebook graphic. That's hilarious!
Not sure if this is best place to post, but here goes. I sent Sprint an email today asking if I would qualify for Silver or Gold Premiere; I am over $169.99 before discounts so I wasn't sure. I also threw in that I wanted info on new webOS phones. Here is the email response; the poor english makes me wonder where this guy was located. I swear to you that this is the actual email from Sprint. He suggests upgrading from a Pre to a Pixi??? WTF?
Dear Steve Lilley,
Thank you for contacting Sprint regarding the Gold Premier customer and
understand that you want a HP/ Palm webOS phones.
Your account was established on September 15, 2005 with us and you are
true that you are with us since last 10 years. We appreciate your
loyalty & long term association with us & would like to take our
business forward with you.
To be Sprint Premier Gold, customers must have at least 6 months tenure
and meet the following qualifications:
1. Individual plans with a 3 month average Monthly Recurring Charge of
at least $89.99 or
2. Shared plans with a 3 month average Monthly Recurring Charge of at
least $169.99 or
3. Tenure of 10+ years with Sprint Wireless
4. Good standing
Yes, Sprint do plan to launch a HP/ Palm webOS phones. Since this device
is not available to our customers now, I am unable provide the details
you requested. If Sprint offers it in the future, you will find product
and pricing details on Sprint.com and in promotional information at our
retail stores.
We encourage you to watch news reports or monitor our web site to see if
a change in availability occurs.
We offer great rebates on up gradation to our customers by considering
the active age of the Sprint phone on the account.
Your phone on line xxxxxxxxx has qualified for all the rebates
including the $150.00 instant rebate. You can buy any phone at the
online price which is equivalent to the cost of activating a new line
and I assure that every Palm phone have the Palm webOS and if you wish
to upgrade then you can bought a new Palm PIXI.
We value your business and appreciate the opportunity to answer your
questions. Please reply to this email or visit sprint.com if we can be
of assistance.
Sincerely,
Oscar P.
Sprint
I can has Palm Pixi? You can has go to hell.
Brilliant
LMAOOOOOO omg haha thats funny as hell!
I give him A+ for being polite, but the poor grammar/ english just looks plain bad for a customer service response. But cheer up everybody - Upgrades to Pixi (w/o wifi) for everyone!
I am confused.
"Your account was established on September 15, 2005 with us and you are
true that you are with us since last 10 years."
2011 - 2005 = 6 years, not 10?
That spoof facebook post was... disturbing, to say the least.
But very well done!
Keep in mind everyone:
In the same way that the Pre+ can't work on T-Mobile USA's 3G, LTE phones would not work between VZW and other carriers in the US or abroad.
VZW uses the 700MHz frequency for their LTE. Nobody else in the world uses this frequency. This means that anyone who makes LTE phones for VZW is essentially making a VZW-only LTE phone.
So that means they still need to make at least 2 variants (1 for VZW, 1 for other carriers)
Why cant we get the carriers to use the same technology on the same frequesncy? Wouldn't that be better for everyone?
I live how the FCC lets this stuff run crazy. Can't wait for the govt to use this skill to run healthcare. Gonna be great!
God I hope you're being sarcastic.....
So I guess this means Evo 4gs and Epics and Evo Shifts may become obsolete really really fast ;)
Yes, because obviously the entire device stops working when you turn off the 4G radio. Does it also mean the non-4G webOS devices are already obsolete? smh
Sprint in the past has indicated their towers could operate both LTE and WiMax at the same time. So I dont think they are planning to drop service for anyone.
Wait until Sprint announces a switch from WiMax and all those EVO owners go absolutely crazy.
It will make the ruckus about webOS 2.0 seem like a gnat farting.
All the "Sprint promised greater coverage" and "waaaaaaaaah waaaaaaaah" will be great for the androidcentral site to enjoy! I can't wait!
Big deal... By the time this actually happens, I'll be trading in my Evo for a quad-core 3D Android phone, and you'll still be wishing the Pre 3 would come to Sprint.
I wont still be wishing that, because I'm not on Sprint and I don't want to see Palm waste time on WiMax when they will get more leverage supporting LTE... just sayin. I've managed to NOT be a Sprint customer all the way back to before Sprint offered cellular service. Why would I start caring now? But if Sprint has to waste time swapping WiMax for LTE, that will slow down their ability to expand 4G for you, making sure that your coverage is bad even as they charge you more. If Sprint wants the Pre3, they need to sell it with a CDMA radio. I'm sure Palm could have a million of them delivered to Dan Hess in a month or two.