Network Vision/LTE - West Michigan Market (Grand Rapids/Lansing/Kalamazoo)

[S4GRU]

As far as population or demographics, it has little impact on where they begin to deploy within a market. They upgrade the sites that are fully ready for upgrade first.

 

Robert

[ryry4ya]

Please stick with relative information 2 LT E and NV., there is a conversation button that you can hit and talk with another members with whatever else,

 

mobile with Evo Lte

[koiulpoi]

As far as population or demographics, it has little impact on where they begin to deploy within a market. They upgrade the sites that are fully ready for upgrade first.

 

Robert

I heard from one of our local Sprint reps, when talking about Network Vision-

now, keep in mind, this is a marketing rep, so this information is likely to have been completely misunderstood, or perhaps even consist solely of complete falsehoods and fabrications-

they said that Sprint's "strategy" is to start outside and move in when it comes to cities, and that Michigan was going to be no exception. That, in fact, many smaller cities that are only supported by one or two sites are much more likely to get 4G LTE early when compared to any one "downtown" site.

Again, this is likely a massive misunderstanding of the real plans. These are also the same people who tried to tell me that Network Vision and 4G LTE are two completely separate, unrelated things; apparently Network Vision is coming later. These are also the people who offhandedly tell me that it's a "mistake" for Sprint to have even tried to put LTE on 1900 because "it doesn't work inside buildings".

So take that with a bucket of salt. A grain won't be enough.

[delta772er]

I heard from one of our local Sprint reps, when talking about Network Vision-

now, keep in mind, this is a marketing rep, so this information is likely to have been completely misunderstood, or perhaps even consist solely of complete falsehoods and fabrications-

they said that Sprint's "strategy" is to start outside and move in when it comes to cities, and that Michigan was going to be no exception. That, in fact, many smaller cities that are only supported by one or two sites are much more likely to get 4G LTE early when compared to any one "downtown" site.

Again, this is likely a massive misunderstanding of the real plans. These are also the same people who tried to tell me that Network Vision and 4G LTE are two completely separate, unrelated things; apparently Network Vision is coming later. These are also the people who offhandedly tell me that it's a "mistake" for Sprint to have even tried to put LTE on 1900 because "it doesn't work inside buildings".

So take that with a bucket of salt. A grain won't be enough.

 

I have no way to verify this, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is some truth to this, just look at the Chicago deployment, started in the suburbs (and in some cases even further out) and moved towards the loop.

[S4GRU]

There is a lot of variability. Miami, Baltimore and LA all had some urban sites from the beginning.

 

Samsung seems to do a lot of their deployment in clusters. Everyone else seems to do theirs as they are available. Rural and exurban sites are the first ones likely to be ready and available on a first come first served basis too. Rural sites are easier to access, are easier to trench (less concrete/asphalt barriers to digging) and easier/cheaper to obtain zoning and permitting (if required at all).

 

Robert via Samsung Note II via Tapatalk

 

 

[DrPlemon]

When they say "Grand Rapids" does that include the lakeshore? I live in Grand Haven/Spring Lake and work in Muskegon. My contract is coming up in a few months and I really am hedging my decision to stay with Sprint based on whether or not our area will ever get LTE. I know many consider this area to be part of the Grand Rapids "market" but it's 30 miles away.

 

I certainly didn't benefit from WiMax (although I bought an EVO 4G with the promise that WiMax was "rapidly expanding" LOL). I need to know whether or not any plans to roll out LTE in Grand Rapids will affect those of us on the lakeshore. I would hate to be locked into another 2 year contract without being able to take advantage of the technology that I am paying good money for.

[jefbal99]

When they say "Grand Rapids" does that include the lakeshore? I live in Grand Haven/Spring Lake and work in Muskegon. My contract is coming up in a few months and I really am hedging my decision to stay with Sprint based on whether or not our area will ever get LTE. I know many consider this area to be part of the Grand Rapids "market" but it's 30 miles away.

 

I certainly didn't benefit from WiMax (although I bought an EVO 4G with the promise that WiMax was "rapidly expanding" LOL). I need to know whether or not any plans to roll out LTE in Grand Rapids will affect those of us on the lakeshore. I would hate to be locked into another 2 year contract without being able to take advantage of the technology that I am paying good money for.

 

The West Michigan market is essentially everything west of 127/75. There is are great maps in the sponsors sections.

 

Here are a few wall articles that have info and maps.

 

http://s4gru.com/index.php?/blog/1/entry-80-seattle-grand-rapids-are-scheduled-to-be-in-the-second-round-of-sprint-network-visionlte-deployment-in-2012/

 

http://s4gru.com/index.php?/blog/1/entry-299-west-michigan-network-visionlte-deployment-schedule-update/

[DrPlemon]

The West Michigan market is essentially everything west of 127/75. There is are great maps in the sponsors sections.

 

Here are a few wall articles that have info and maps.

 

http://s4gru.com/ind...oyment-in-2012/

 

http://s4gru.com/ind...chedule-update/

 

 

Thanks for that!

 

Follow up question: The yellow dots in that map...do they signify Network Vision or future 4G LTE coverage? I was under the impression that "Network Vision" was just Sprint's attempt at improving current 3G data and Voice. However, if the map is indicating that all the areas in yellow are going to be 4G LTE, then I will be a very happy customer.

[Dkoellerwx]

Thanks for that!

 

Follow up question: The yellow dots in that map...do they signify Network Vision or future 4G LTE coverage? I was under the impression that "Network Vision" was just Sprint's attempt at improving current 3G data and Voice. However, if the map is indicating that all the areas in yellow are going to be 4G LTE, then I will be a very happy customer.

 

The yellow "dots" are indicative of Sprint's current coverage. Every Sprint tower will receive NV upgrades, which means improved 3G and 4G LTE, as well as 800 SMR (the voice part).

[DrPlemon]

The yellow "dots" are indicative of Sprint's current coverage. Every Sprint tower will receive NV upgrades, which means improved 3G and 4G LTE, as well as 800 SMR (the voice part).

 

Great, thanks.

[DrPlemon]

What gives me pause is the fact that if I go to the Sprint website TODAY and click on the link it doesn't even list the state of Michigan as a site where LTE will be available in the "coming months." So God knows how long it could take...

 

6 months?

 

A year?

 

I'm really not sure I want to wait that long.

[Dkoellerwx]

What gives me pause is the fact that if I go to the Sprint website TODAY and click on the link it doesn't even list the state of Michigan as a site where LTE will be available in the "coming months." So God knows how long it could take...

 

6 months?

 

A year?

 

I'm really not sure I want to wait that long.

 

The NV plan is upgrading the whole Sprint network in roughly two years. We are getting close to the end of year one, they expect to be nearing completion by this time next year. Work is underway in Michigan, but it's not far enough along yet for Sprint to advertise it. I would expect Sprint to add parts of Michigan to it's "LTE is coming" list later this month or in January. You should see LTE within 6 months. It will be well worth the wait.

[DrPlemon]

The NV plan is upgrading the whole Sprint network in roughly two years. We are getting close to the end of year one, they expect to be nearing completion by this time next year. Work is underway in Michigan, but it's not far enough along yet for Sprint to advertise it. I would expect Sprint to add parts of Michigan to it's "LTE is coming" list later this month or in January. You should see LTE within 6 months. It will be well worth the wait.

 

I hope you're right. The saving grace for me is that I'm on Wi-Fi at work and home, where I spend 90% of my time. I do stream Pandora when I'm driving and I do like the fact that I don't have to worry about how much data I'm using. If Sprint didn't have unlimited data, I would be gone for sure. If I can keep my unlimited data, not get gouged with Verizonesque pricing, and get good customer service with an improved network, I'll be s Sprinter for life.

[Dkoellerwx]

I hope you're right. The saving grace for me is that I'm on Wi-Fi at work and home, where I spend 90% of my time. I do stream Pandora when I'm driving and I do like the fact that I don't have to worry about how much data I'm using. If Sprint didn't have unlimited data, I would be gone for sure. If I can keep my unlimited data, not get gouged with Verizonesque pricing, and get good customer service with an improved network, I'll be s Sprinter for life.

 

I lived in Kansas City for a few months after LTE was launched there, and it was fantastic. Now I'm in Springfield, MO, which will probably get LTE after you do. But, Sprint will have the best network in the country when this is done, maybe not coverage wise, but it will be the most modern and won't get overloaded as quickly as Verizon's LTE has or AT&T's will. Plus, there is 800 LTE coming next year, and Clear's "hotspot" LTE network for high capacity areas that will be out any other network speed wise.

 

Unlimited won't be going away anytime soon, and the prices can't change much if Sprint wants to continue to compete, so I think you are safe. If you can make it a couple more months you should start seeing improvements.

[jefbal99]

So I looked out the window and saw a crane at the lugnut/smokestack don't some work.

 

 

 

 

[ATTACH]1351[/ATTACH]

 

Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 using Forum Runner

[S4GRU]

So I looked out the window and saw a crane at the lugnut/smokestack don't some work.

 

Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 using Forum Runner

 

If you get a chance at lunch, see what equipment they have on the ground. Maybe they'll have some Samsung boxes. <img src='http://s4gru.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/fingers.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

 

Robert via Samsung Note II via Tapatalk

[jefbal99]

If you get a chance at lunch, see what equipment they have on the ground. Maybe they'll have some Samsung boxes. <img src='http://s4gru.com/public/style_emoticons/default/fingers.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=' ' />

 

Robert via Samsung Note II via Tapatalk

 

Damn I got overly excited, not sure what they did, but less than an hour after I took that picture, the crane was packed up and everyone was gone. No Network vision for me

[ShadowDrake]

Just saw eHRPD live on the south side of Grand Haven today. Too bad a speed test still comes back with 0.03 mbits down heh

[ShadowDrake]

Don't happen to see the link to edit my previous post but Spring Lake and Ferrysburg area has eHRPD live ad well. I'm headed up to Muskegon tomorrow and will report on findings there. Looks like hope for the west coast!

[DrPlemon]

Don't happen to see the link to edit my previous post but Spring Lake and Ferrysburg area has eHRPD live ad well. I'm headed up to Muskegon tomorrow and will report on findings there. Looks like hope for the west coast!

 

Christmas is coming early this year :-)

[Luuminator]

I hate to be a grinch but having ehrpd doesnt mean nv has started and lte is coming really quick.

Here is how Robert explained ehrpd

In all seriousness, here is a comprehensive understanding of eHRPD:

 

For the most part, eHRPD is EVDO-A. Both are 3G CDMA technology. EVDO is a High Rate Packet Data technology, and eHRPD is Evolved High Rate Packet Data. It is essentially the same exact technology, except eHRPD data is routed through the LTE core instead of the MSC (switch) so it can maintain the same IP address as LTE. This allows for data hand offs between LTE and 3G. Only LTE devices are capable of eHRPD connections.

 

eHRPD and EVDO-A are broadcast from the same tower on the same channel using the same technology and the same backhaul. It is one signal, not two different signals. However, if your device is in CDMA only mode (or you have a non-LTE device), your data from your device goes from the site through backhaul to a Sprint MSC switching center is processed and dumped out onto the internet backbone.

 

If your device is in CDMA/LTE mode and your site has been upgraded to eHRPD, when your device data gets to the site, it goes through the backhaul to a 4G LTE core instead of the MSC. There it is processed and dumped out onto the internet backbone.

So, the only difference in performance between eHRPD and EVDO-A on the same site occurs at the MSC vs. the LTE core. Everything else is pretty much identical between the two. Each site in the Sprint network is tied to a very specific MSC for 1x voice and EVDO data. Sprint has dozens of MSC's scattered around the country. When that MSC experiences problems or has a logjam, it affects all the sites connected to it. And EVDO can slow down (although this is not the big culprit in Sprint 3G deterioration).

 

In contrast to how the MSC's handle 1x and 3G EVDO data, 3G eHRPD and 4G LTE data are processed through 4G cores. Unlike MSC, sites are not limited to only one core. Sprint is setting up their 4G LTE cores to be dynamic. So if one core is too busy, data can be routed to a different under burdened core.

 

Performance between EVDO-A and eHRPD should be very similar when on the same channel from the same exact site. The most common difference is that eHRPD will often have faster ping times. And a MSC is more likely to bottleneck than an LTE core, so at peak times EVDO may be slightly slower than eHRPD (when all things are the same).

[ShadowDrake]

I hate to be a grinch but having ehrpd doesnt mean nv has started and lte is coming really quick.

Here is how Robert explained ehrpd

 

Good stuff. But in all honesty as long as eHRPD = LTE eventually (regardless of time) I'm content as the towers around here were still EVDO only as of last week. This area was not explicitly listed as part of the "West Michigan" area even though if you say west Michigan this is where people think of.

[Luuminator]

 

 

Good stuff. But in all honesty as long as eHRPD = LTE eventually (regardless of time) I'm content as the towers around here were still EVDO only as of last week. This area was not explicitly listed as part of the "West Michigan" area even though if you say west Michigan this is where people think of.

I agree with you. I've had ehrpd since I got my gs3 last month, and I'll be happy when I do get lte. When I get it I get it, im currently happy with my 3g since I got my gs3 instead of being on my old samsung transform

[kkstp09]

What I am wondering is if Sprint is behind in our market?

 

In the running list for markets it still says first LTE sites by November for the West MI market and if I am correct there are none currently up and running. Just wondering when we are going to see them begin to pop up?

[jefbal99]

What I am wondering is if Sprint is behind in our market?

 

In the running list for markets it still says first LTE sites by November for the West MI market and if I am correct there are none currently up and running. Just wondering when we are going to see them begin to pop up?

 

Sprint is running about 3 months behind the original schedule.