Alltell Says They'll Deploy LTE - But it will probably be 3-5 years out... - dslreports.com

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Alltell Says They'll Deploy LTE
But it will probably be 3-5 years out...
(old news - 09:34AM Friday May 16 2008)
Tipped by opus74

It appears that Alltel, like AT&T and Verizon, will be embracing LTE (Long Term Evolution) as their fourth generation wireless broadband flavor of choice. That said, the company this morning informed attendees of their first quarter earnings conference call that deployment was still three to five years out. "Certainly there is no money for 4G evolution anytime in our near-term plans," said Alltell COO Jeff Fox. "I think from a cash-flow perspective you shouldn’t expect us to talk about 4G anytime at least in 08."

At the moment, there's three front-runners for the fourth-generation wireless broadband crown: 3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution), mobile WiMax and 3GPP2 UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband). All three standards will offer low latency and theoretical max speeds that will eventually make current US EVDO and HSDPA speeds (and even some home landline connections) seem anemic. While WiMax has an early lead, LTE is expected to dominate.

LTE is theoretically capable of speeds up to 100Mbps with latency as low as 20ms, and, like Verizon, the switch will mean a migration from CDMA to GSM.

Forums » Alltell Says They'll Deploy LTE


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drobi78 join:2001-04-27 Montgomery, AL 1 edit	LTE is not GSM This story states Verizon will be migrating to GSM but the truth is LTE has nothing to do with GSM. It is true that most GSM providers are migrating to LTE as an evolution path but they should not be confused.
	permalink · 2008-05-16 09:41:04 ·

patcat88

join:2002-04-05
Jamaica, NY

Re: LTE is not GSM

quote:
The LTE project is not a standard, but it will result in the new evolved release 8 of the UMTS standard, including mostly or wholly extensions and modifications of the UMTS system.

»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3GPP_Long_···volution

LTE is GSM over packet switched networks. It will be compatible with existing GSM technologies/protocols with minor conversions (billing and roaming for example).

Your trying to make it sound like its as different as CDMA and GSM are protocol wise. Yes, LTE will be a different modulation (they are finally adding QAM64, prepare for slow cable modem speeds

), and a somewhat different protocol, but its not "written from scratch" and not compatible with anything else.

permalink · 2008-05-16 09:58:23 · Print ·

JaM4150 Premium join:2005-10-27 Matamoras, PA clubs:	Re: LTE is not GSM So does this mean that VZW customers in the future have SIM cards inside their phones? How about all the other benefits of a SIM card?
	permalink · 2008-05-16 10:23:45 ·

NOCMan Verizon Fios User Premium join:2004-09-30 Flower Mound, TX	Re: LTE is not GSM I believe LTE eliminates the SIM card. Carriers do not want you moving around so easily.
	permalink · 2008-05-16 11:40:11 ·

adisor19 join:2004-10-11	Re: LTE is not GSM Ya right ! LTE will still have a SIM card. Adi
	permalink · 2008-05-16 13:18:15 ·

EPS join:2008-02-13 Hingham, MA	said by NOCMan : I believe LTE eliminates the SIM card. Carriers do not want you moving around so easily. Where did you hear this?
	permalink · 2008-05-16 15:27:13 ·

en102 Canadian, eh? join:2001-01-26 Valencia, CA	Only North American (basically Canada/US) carriers do not like people 'moving around' via SIM card. In many other countries, SIM cards, prepaid and non-subsidized phones are the norm. -- Canada = Hollywood North
	permalink · 2008-05-16 16:55:50 ·

patcat88 join:2002-04-05 Jamaica, NY	Re: LTE is not GSM Even CDMA phones outside North America have SIM-equivelent cards, sometimes Verizon/Sprint phones have left over card slots under the batteries, although they are useless because of firmware and network design, although if you can find a FW to flash the phone, you can take it to a country with RUIM CDMA networks.
	permalink · 2008-05-18 00:47:03 ·

dslwanter Why would I want DSL? I have FTTH Premium join:2002-12-16 Lowellville, OH	As long as... ...the pig doesn't buy them out first.
	permalink · 2008-05-16 09:52:01 ·

Matt Quitting Caffeine - Argh Premium join:2003-07-20 Jamestown, NC	Theoretically said by Article : LTE is theoretically capable of speeds up to 100Mbps with latency as low as 20ms Which means we'll see 10Mbps, with 200ms latency, for twice what we're paying now.
	permalink · 2008-05-16 09:57:17 ·

patcat88 join:2002-04-05 Jamaica, NY	Re: Theoretically All circuit switching is gone from LTE. So voice must be IP traffic, now the question is, does LTE include QOS/prioritizing by default?
	permalink · 2008-05-16 10:02:44 ·

DaveNJ No Fear join:1999-09-01 New Jersey ·Comcast ·Patriot Media ·Cingular Wireless	Re: Theoretically said by patcat88 : All circuit switching is gone from LTE. So voice must be IP traffic, now the question is, does LTE include QOS/prioritizing by default? the wiki article states that HSPA+, and above have packet scheduling. LTE does have it.
	permalink · 2008-05-16 10:22:45 ·

jimk Premium join:2006-04-15 Raleigh, NC 1 edit	The price will probably stay about the same just like it did for most carriers when going from 1X to 1XEVDO.
	permalink · 2008-05-16 10:04:46 ·

wierdo

join:2001-02-16
Tulsa, OK

·Future Nine Corpor..

said by Matt

:

Which means we'll see 10Mbps, with 200ms latency, for twice what we're paying now.

I already get 100-150ms latency on AT&T's HSDPA network. My card is only capable of about 1.2Mbps, though. (Theoretically, it can do 1.8, but that would require a perfect radio environment, of course)
--
It's wierdo, not weirdo. Yes, I know that's not the 'proper' spelling of the similar english language word.

permalink · 2008-05-18 20:15:01 · Print ·

Fox McCloud Crazy like a fox. join:2006-07-23	LTE...that is...unless... If Sprint dumps Nextel and sharpens up their image, they could just buy Alltel....I'm sure if they did, those LTE plans would vanish overnight in favor of WiMAX.
	permalink · 2008-05-16 11:55:46 ·

jester121 join:2003-08-09 Lake Zurich, IL	Re: LTE...that is...unless... Problems with that idea: 1. Sprint can't afford to buy anything. 2. Sprint claims they're keeping Nextel. 3. Sprint probably wouldn't want Alltel anyhow.
	permalink · 2008-05-16 13:10:37 ·

Fox McCloud
Crazy like a fox.

join:2006-07-23

·Sprint Mobile Broa..

Re: LTE...that is...unless...

said by jester121

:

Problems with that idea:

1. Sprint can't afford to buy anything.

Yup, that is, unless they could generate enough revenue from selling Nextel.

2. Sprint claims they're keeping Nextel.

Really, are you sure about that?

3. Sprint probably wouldn't want Alltel anyhow.

Ehh, I don't think that's an accurate statement---Sprint and Alltel have had a very very close roaming agreement for quite a while (1xRTT voice and data and 1xEVDO)...they're both CDMA providers (not to mention Alltel has a lot of territory that Sprint does not).

It'd be hugely beneficial to Sprint, the question is, are they smart enough to do it?
--
"True Patriotism is more closely linked with dissent than it is to conformity and a blind desire for safety and security...I accept the definition of patriotism as that effort to resist abusive state power." -Ron Paul

permalink · 2008-05-16 13:36:12 · Print ·

partysource

join:2000-11-25
Phoenix, AZ

·BBTelSys VOIP

Re: LTE...that is...unless...

With Sprint having the highest churn rate and they are losing customers like crazy. Their customer service is shitty as hell.. They are the least expensive carrier which they are not making as much profit as other companies. If anybody were to snatch up Alltel it wouls be Verizon

. Sprint also has the crappiest network. I use to have them I can speak on that one. Thank god I left and went with Verizon.

permalink · 2008-05-16 14:38:32 ·

ajw625 join:2004-01-04 Sandusky, OH	Re: LTE...that is...unless... The problem with Verizon buying Alltel is major overlap of markets which would mean major divestitures required by the FCC. Personally being an Alltel customer I'd like to see them buy Sprint, which would ultimately give us native service in the major metros. Have a great day! A. J.
	permalink · 2008-05-16 16:06:14 ·

tc1uscg

join:2005-03-09
Saint Clair Shores, MI

said by partysource

:

Sprint also has the crappiest network. I use to have them I can speak on that one. Thank god I left and went with Verizon.

Opinions are like assholes.. everyone has one. I happen to have Sprint. Have had them for almost 10 years. Have 4 phones on CDMA and 1 nextel. I got a nextel because after going camping with my scout troop in some areas were ONLY iDen worked, I figured what the heck. No, I'm not a PTT freak but it works. I just came back this weekend from a campout. Verizon didn't work AT ALL. Nor did a kids T-M.. ATT was the strongest. It should be, their tower was 200 yards from the campsite

. Sprint. 4 out of 5 bars. Nextel, 2 out of 5. You can brag or boast or stroke yourself and your verizon network all you want. I got cheap service and don't like getting screwed (why I will never use verizon for ANYTHING). And it just amazes naive people who use them are.

permalink · 2008-05-18 18:37:28 · Print ·

tc1uscg

join:2005-03-09
Saint Clair Shores, MI

said by jester121

:

Problems with that idea:

1. Sprint can't afford to buy anything.
2. Sprint claims they're keeping Nextel.
3. Sprint probably wouldn't want Alltel anyhow.

1. Wrong. They are just watching where the money is going much much better trying to divert cash to the wimax machine.
2. Wrong. They have already hinted of a spin off/standalone company catering to those walkie-talkie freaks (remember LTD aka Embarq)
3. True. They use them for roaming. that's about as far as the relationship will go.

permalink · 2008-05-16 13:37:49 · Print ·

xenophon

join:2007-09-17

·Sprint Mobile Broa..

Re: LTE...that is...unless...

Sprint may not buy Alltel but Alltel could potentially agree to a 'merger of equals' if they can find a way that it benefits stockholders. Problem is, has there ever really been a 'merger of equals'?

If that somehow happened, I could see both WiMAX and LTE happening from the combined company. WiMAX will be better for consumer devices - mp3 streaming players, PSP/gameboy, GPS devices, cameras, etc. LTE probably won't be broadly available in consumer devices but would make for a better enhanced voice network compatible with other carriers.

Many think LTE/WiMAX will complement each other, not really compete.

permalink · 2008-05-16 14:01:23 · Print ·

EPS join:2008-02-13 Hingham, MA	Re: LTE...that is...unless... Alltel Wireless is not a publicly traded company.
	permalink · 2008-05-16 15:10:27 ·

xenophon join:2007-09-17	Re: LTE...that is...unless... Oh right, they've been purchased by a private equity group. Same story though, if an overall Sprint/Alltel deal significantly benefits the new owners, it possibly could happen. Not that I'm saying there's a good chance.
	permalink · 2008-05-16 15:18:25 ·

jester121 join:2003-08-09 Lake Zurich, IL ·ViaTalk	said by tc1uscg : 2. Wrong. They have already hinted of a spin off/standalone company catering to those walkie-talkie freaks (remember LTD aka Embarq) Wrong back at ya. Empty rumors according to the CEO earlier this week: »www.howardforums.com/showthread.···=1370057
	permalink · 2008-05-16 19:08:01 · Print ·

tc1uscg

join:2005-03-09
Saint Clair Shores, MI

Re: LTE...that is...unless...

said by jester121

:

said by tc1uscg

:

2. Wrong. They have already hinted of a spin off/standalone company catering to those walkie-talkie freaks (remember LTD aka Embarq)

Wrong back at ya. Empty rumors according to the CEO earlier this week:

»www.howardforums.com/showthread.···=1370057

My point exactly. RUMORS.. But there are sure a lot out there from sources a little more in the know then Howardsforums..

»www.bloggingbuyouts.com/2008/05/···-nextel/

»www.bizjournals.com/washington/s···y22.html

»www.phonearena.com/htmls/Sprint-···748.html

But it appears that the WSJ has lots of "insight" or people are just grasping for straws. But to save space, here are a FEW links along the line.. Enjoy

»finance.aol.com/related/deutsche···61&tab=5

permalink · 2008-05-18 19:00:22 · Print ·

jester121 join:2003-08-09 Lake Zurich, IL	Re: LTE...that is...unless... Err.. a direct quote from the CEO is a direct quote even if someone on hofo linked it from another source.
	permalink · 2008-05-19 01:00:41 ·

tc1uscg join:2005-03-09 Saint Clair Shores, MI	Re: LTE...that is...unless... What happends, happens. As a customer, I hope they don't drop Nextel. I think Sprint is much better then what cronic crybabies give them credit for.
	permalink · 2008-05-19 11:19:31 ·

old_dawg
"I Know Noting..."

join:2001-09-22
Westminster, MD

Ya think?

LTE is theoretically capable of speeds up to....

Ranks right up there with, "It worked it the lab" and
"the check's in the mail" and, well there's more but we're supposed to be polite here

.

In the interim, every erstwhile armchair engineer and pundit in this forum from troll to the top of the food chain
will be ceaselessly yammering that it is somebody's fault that it's not 1) available now, 2) free, 3)___ fill in the blank.

--
"Our network engineers are aware of the problem..."

permalink · 2008-05-17 06:27:35 · Print ·

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