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Sprint: LTE Advanced on 1900MHz PCS Spectrum
With a VoLTE Launch Coming in Early 2013

Early this month Sprint finally made official something we'd been reporting on since March: the company will be making a slow migration to LTE wireless broadband service. A few weeks ago Sprint confirmed they planned an "aggressive" deployment, with the goal of covering 123 million "pops" (potential users) with LTE by the end of 2012, and 250 million by the end of 2013.

This morning a Sprint executive added a little more detail to the company's plans. Speaking at a breakfast meeting at the 4G World conference in Chicago, Sprint vice president of network development and engineering, Iyad Tarazi, stated the company would be launching LTE Advanced in the first half of 2012, using the vacant G-Block of 1900MHz PCS spectrum owned by Sprint:
quote:
Tarazi also provided additional details on the company's extensive Network Vision upgrade, which will include the deployment of LTE using the company's 1900 MHz spectrum with a planned commercial launch of LTE by mid-2012...Tarazi said that the company plans to launch at least 12 LTE devices next year and although Sprint will initially offer voice service over its CDMA 1X network and data over its LTE network, it will eventually migrate to Voice over LTE. Tarazi said Sprint will launch VoLTE devices in the first quarter of 2013.
It remains muddy what happens to Clearwire as Sprint spends more time building it's own LTE network. Tarazi noted that 20% of Sprint's traffic currently rides over the Clearwire 4G WiMAX network, users he insists Sprint will support for "many years" due to their current Clearwire arrangement.
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en103
join:2011-05-02

en103

Member

Good spectrum band to use - IMO

1900 MHz is good news in general.
Most carriers already have 1900MHz deployments and spectrum.
Lets hope that AT&T/VZW and other carriers will 'recycle' some of their spectrum eventually to make use of 1900 in addition to AWS and 700.
25139889 (banned)
join:2011-10-25
Toledo, OH

25139889 (banned)

Member

Re: Good spectrum band to use - IMO

This won't happen. Right now none of the networks are roamable and won't be for YEARS if at any time. Everyone is on different technologies or spectrum.

NYC26
@rr.com

NYC26

Anon

Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

Sprint. All I hear is the 1900 band, but I hear little about the 800MHz. Give those Nextel customers an incentive and get them off that IDEN network ASAP.
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

said by NYC26 :

Sprint. All I hear is the 1900 band, but I hear little about the 800MHz. Give those Nextel customers an incentive and get them off that IDEN network ASAP.

The only thing they can do with iDEN spectrum is run a single carrier of 1xRTT right now. Thats all the FCC approved seeing as its ESMR spectrum meant for iDEN.
25139889 (banned)
join:2011-10-25
Toledo, OH

25139889 (banned)

Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

which i'm surprised they're even going to be allowed to use it for their "LTE" network. At time (and still do once in a while) all we heard about is how iDEN interferes with local emergency services radios and such. Sprint was suppose to shut down iDEN years ago and convert everyone over while the Feds were suppose to buy back the network and hand it over to first responders for their own network since it would be private at that time. But we see how far that went. And I wouldn't count on Spent to convert this network anytime soon let alone their PCS network. They'll most likely go bankrupt first.
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

said by 25139889:

which i'm surprised they're even going to be allowed to use it for their "LTE" network. At time (and still do once in a while) all we heard about is how iDEN interferes with local emergency services radios and such. Sprint was suppose to shut down iDEN years ago and convert everyone over while the Feds were suppose to buy back the network and hand it over to first responders for their own network since it would be private at that time. But we see how far that went. And I wouldn't count on Spent to convert this network anytime soon let alone their PCS network. They'll most likely go bankrupt first.

I count on them going bankrupt first seeing as they can't even fix their existing infrastructure
xenophon
join:2007-09-17

xenophon to iFail 5G

Member

to iFail 5G
They do plan to use 800Mhz for LTE but not until shutting down iDen around 2013.
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

said by xenophon:

They do plan to use 800Mhz for LTE but not until shutting down iDen around 2013.

And they can't shut iDEN down until they have a reliable technology to replace it. Something that their *advanced* CDMA network can't even do and probably won't be able to.

Their new PTT crap solution runs on their oversold 3G network, thats bad for people who actually depend on PTT for more than just drug deals.

When you find a CDMA technology that can have the tower fall back to a circuit switched repeater, let me know because thats what iDEN does in the worst case scenario when everything else is dead.

michieru
Premium Member
join:2009-07-25
Denver, CO

michieru

Premium Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

So your saying if they basically sold a CDMA phone that has a built-in walkie talkie you will bite?
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

said by michieru:

So your saying if they basically sold a CDMA phone that has a built-in walkie talkie you will bite?

Huh? No thats what I wouldn't bite. They have had CDMA PTT in the past called SDC, now its back and its just as poor and horrid as before. Horrible coverage, as unreliable as Sprint's pathetic 3G network. And no backup infrastructure as in the iDEN network.
Basically *advanced* CDMA can't even match a technology from 1994.

HappyDays343
@thvilledigital.net

HappyDays343 to iFail 5G

Anon

to iFail 5G
Sprint can and will shutdown the iDEN network any time it wants.

There is NO requirement forcing them to keep a 2g legacy network up and running.

Again the FCC has no problem with it.
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

said by HappyDays343 :

Sprint can and will shutdown the iDEN network any time it wants.

There is NO requirement forcing them to keep a 2g legacy network up and running.

Again the FCC has no problem with it.

Thats fine if they shut down the legacy network, thats just 7 million more customers Sprint will lose.

Face it, they have a HORRIBLE 3G network, a *4G* network thats slower than AT&T's 3G. And pathetic coverage. Plus they aren't much cheaper than AT&T. There essentially is no reason to use Sprint unless AT&T or VZW won't approve your credit.

jmn1207
Premium Member
join:2000-07-19
Sterling, VA

jmn1207

Premium Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

said by iFail 5G:

said by HappyDays343 :

Sprint can and will shutdown the iDEN network any time it wants.

There is NO requirement forcing them to keep a 2g legacy network up and running.

Again the FCC has no problem with it.

Thats fine if they shut down the legacy network, thats just 7 million more customers Sprint will lose.

Face it, they have a HORRIBLE 3G network, a *4G* network thats slower than AT&T's 3G. And pathetic coverage. Plus they aren't much cheaper than AT&T. There essentially is no reason to use Sprint unless AT&T or VZW won't approve your credit.

Sprint's 4G service is faster and more reliable than AT&T where I use it. I enjoy the unlimited 4G streaming when I use my SlingMedia player. AT&T can't provide a HQ video for hours at a time, and Verizon's caps are too restricting and costly. My credit is fine. I gave Verizon's new MiFi device a trial this summer, only to find that my usage was going to be too high for a reasonably priced bill each month.

Don't lump your experience with everyone elses across the country. Sprint does not work for you. AT&T and Verizon don't work for me.
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

said by jmn1207:

said by iFail 5G:

said by HappyDays343 :

Sprint can and will shutdown the iDEN network any time it wants.

There is NO requirement forcing them to keep a 2g legacy network up and running.

Again the FCC has no problem with it.

Thats fine if they shut down the legacy network, thats just 7 million more customers Sprint will lose.

Face it, they have a HORRIBLE 3G network, a *4G* network thats slower than AT&T's 3G. And pathetic coverage. Plus they aren't much cheaper than AT&T. There essentially is no reason to use Sprint unless AT&T or VZW won't approve your credit.

Sprint's 4G service is faster and more reliable than AT&T where I use it. I enjoy the unlimited 4G streaming when I use my SlingMedia player. AT&T can't provide a HQ video for hours at a time, and Verizon's caps are too restricting and costly. My credit is fine. I gave Verizon's new MiFi device a trial this summer, only to find that my usage was going to be too high for a reasonably priced bill each month.

Don't lump your experience with everyone elses across the country. Sprint does not work for you. AT&T and Verizon don't work for me.

Not sure what you are going to do when Sprint's 4G unlimited goes away next month. Im pissed about it because I refuse to use Clear directly because of their throttling practices.

jmn1207
Premium Member
join:2000-07-19
Sterling, VA

jmn1207

Premium Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

Sprint's 4G unlimited is not going away for my HTC EVO. Smartphones are still unlimited.

In my area, and nationwide, real-world testing indicates that Sprint's 4G is faster than AT&T's 3G.

»www.pcmag.com/Fastest-Mo ··· GgVHjAK2

My AT&T test was limited to an iPhone 4, so perhaps the 4S or a newer Android device is faster, but the service is still not unlimited. Until my unlimited service drops, or Sprint's 4G can't provide the level of speed that I currently enjoy, I'm sticking around.

I've had the EVO since it was launched last summer, and the ETF is low enough now that I wouldn't hesitate to jump ship if I ran into any problems or if unlimited goes away. Heck, I don't believe any ETF amount would prevent me from leaving if I could get something that worked for me and Sprint wasn't cutting it.
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

said by jmn1207:

Sprint's 4G unlimited is not going away for my HTC EVO. Smartphones are still unlimited.

In my area, and nationwide, real-world testing indicates that Sprint's 4G is faster than AT&T's 3G.

»www.pcmag.com/Fastest-Mo ··· GgVHjAK2

My AT&T test was limited to an iPhone 4, so perhaps the 4S or a newer Android device is faster, but the service is still not unlimited. Until my unlimited service drops, or Sprint's 4G can't provide the level of speed that I currently enjoy, I'm sticking around.

I've had the EVO since it was launched last summer, and the ETF is low enough now that I wouldn't hesitate to jump ship if I ran into any problems or if unlimited goes away. Heck, I don't believe any ETF amount would prevent me from leaving if I could get something that worked for me and Sprint wasn't cutting it.

A faster HSPA+ capable phone would be better at measuring the network.

I travel a lot though, and Sprint's 4G average nationally was barely higher than AT&T's 3G. The newer updated tests using AT&T's HSPA+ network are a bit better. The sad thing is, AT&T and VZW have money and are dumping it into expanding their network. Clear/Sprint's WiMax is at 130mil pop's covered and its staying that way and little room to improve because both are essentially completely out of money.

Traveling nationally Sprint has to be the worst and most inconsistent for me, especially to big metros like NYC and D.C.

jmn1207
Premium Member
join:2000-07-19
Sterling, VA

jmn1207

Premium Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

Sprint works great for me in the places I visit in DC, which is usually to catch a Nationals or Caps game. 4G worked perfectly at National's stadium. I live 20 minutes outside of DC, halfway between the Dulles airport and the National Mall.

My previous manager worked in Port Washington, New York on Long Island, and I often made trips up that way. I switched from AT&T to Sprint because of the call quality issues I was experiencing with my Blackberry, especially at the airports.

It seems that the 2 places you had terrible performance issues with Sprint are the 2 places I have a great deal of experience using both services.

Everyone's situation is different, I suppose. I currently have my own specific benchmarks to determine the best carrier and device for my immediate needs. I'm certain this will change again before too long the way things are heading.
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

said by jmn1207:

Sprint works great for me in the places I visit in DC, which is usually to catch a Nationals or Caps game. 4G worked perfectly at National's stadium. I live 20 minutes outside of DC, halfway between the Dulles airport and the National Mall.

My previous manager worked in Port Washington, New York on Long Island, and I often made trips up that way. I switched from AT&T to Sprint because of the call quality issues I was experiencing with my Blackberry, especially at the airports.

It seems that the 2 places you had terrible performance issues with Sprint are the 2 places I have a great deal of experience using both services.

Everyone's situation is different, I suppose. I currently have my own specific benchmarks to determine the best carrier and device for my immediate needs. I'm certain this will change again before too long the way things are heading.

AT&T Call quality is horrible which I personally know! They overuse half rate voice codec's. But anytime you leave the freeway or for 4G leave any overcrowded metro you lose 4G or speeds.

I happen to be in ATL and these are my typical speeds, WiMax doesn't work indoors hardly anywhere.

Expand your moderator at work

jmn1207
Premium Member
join:2000-07-19
Sterling, VA

jmn1207 to NYC26

Premium Member

to NYC26
They are using the 800MHz spectrum for LTE-Advanced in mid-2013.

»www.fiercewireless.com/s ··· 11-10-25

The 1900 MHz spectrum is going to be used for LTE at the beginning of next year.
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

said by jmn1207:

They are using the 800MHz spectrum for LTE-Advanced in mid-2013.

»www.fiercewireless.com/s ··· 11-10-25

The 1900 MHz spectrum is going to be used for LTE at the beginning of next year.

That's when and if the FCC approved that. They aren't approved for anything right now but a 1.27mhz slice of 1xRTT. Its all in FCC Pt. 90 Sprint/NEXTEL if you feel like reading through a few pages.

afasdf452345
@thvilledigital.net

afasdf452345

Anon

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

Get over man its Sprint's spectrum the FCC will have no issues with Sprint using it anyway they see fit. Just as long as it doesnt cause issues with PS, and im sure Sprint knows that.
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Better make that 800MHZ spectrum band a priority

said by afasdf452345 :

Get over man its Sprint's spectrum the FCC will have no issues with Sprint using it anyway they see fit. Just as long as it doesnt cause issues with PS, and im sure Sprint knows that.

You probably should quit making anonymous user names, because its all coming from the same IP address and you are just making yourself look silly.
iFail 5G

iFail 5G

Member

Agressive?

Yea thats really aggressive seeing as VZW is almost at 200mil THIS YEAR and will be close to 300mil by the end of 2013 matching their entire EV network.

They need something now seeing how much strain is on their EVDO network.
iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Austin, TX

iansltx

Member

Re: Agressive?

Sprint has enough spectrum that they can turn up additional EvDO carriers if need be. Stopgap solution? Yes, but not the most horrible one out there.
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Agressive?

said by iansltx:

Sprint has enough spectrum that they can turn up additional EvDO carriers if need be. Stopgap solution? Yes, but not the most horrible one out there.

Oh they have plenty of PCS spectrum to turn up some more EVDO carriers, just like Verizon has been doing. The problem is they are either too cheap or don't have the financial capital to do so.

There are millions of people who are on VZW EVDO and are satisfied, but only because of the effort VZW has put into the EV network to prevent it from completely failing. Sprint has ample capacity here, about 30mhz of unused PCS. Yet they are running a single carrier of EV and 2 voice carriers.
iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Austin, TX

iansltx

Member

Re: Agressive?

It doesn't help that Sprint thought that a third party would build their next-gen network for them...
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Agressive?

said by iansltx:

It doesn't help that Sprint thought that a third party would build their next-gen network for them...

Both times at that.. They can't build this LTE without funding from additional sources, which is pathetic and not to mention puts them in a bad position if their funder goes bankrupt like Clear is bordering.

adfgadfwer5e
@thvilledigital.net

adfgadfwer5e to iFail 5G

Anon

to iFail 5G
Move on Sprint DOES NOT have 30mhz PCS spectrum nation wide.

Also most Sprint towers have 3-4 EVDO Carriers and 2-3 Voice Carries
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Agressive?

said by adfgadfwer5e :

Move on Sprint DOES NOT have 30mhz PCS spectrum nation wide.

Also most Sprint towers have 3-4 EVDO Carriers and 2-3 Voice Carries

You have no clue what you are talking about

lte
@verizon.net

lte

Anon

LTE or LTE-Advanced?

Are they deploying LTE or LTE-Advanced? There is a big speed difference between the two and I thought LTE-Advanced standards and/or chipsets haven't even been finalized yet.

••••••••••

digiblur
Premium Member
join:2002-06-03
Louisiana

digiblur

Premium Member

Nothing new

How is this new? We heard back on the Oct 7th conference/meeting that Sprint was going to use the PCS G Block.