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Blog Entries posted by S4GRU

  1. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Wednesday, June 27, 2012 - 10:09 AM MDT
     
    Speculation is over. Sprint is going to stop blocking LTE connections and launch service in 5 of the 6 announced markets on July 15th. LTE service will be live, on or before July 15th in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and San Antonio. However, Baltimore is an announced market that is not listed in this new release.
    It is not shocking to S4GRU readers that Baltimore is not quite ready yet. We are tracking the completed sites in all Sprint markets, and we know that none of the completed Network Vision sites in the Baltimore market even have LTE live yet, as we mentioned in our recent Baltimore schedule update article.
    Good news for you LTE device holders in these announced markets. Anyone want to hold a nerd riot in celebration on the streets?
     
     
     
    Source: Sprint
  2. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Saturday, June 30, 2012 - 2:02 PM MDT
     
    The next market in our Network Vision/LTE deployment schedule update series is The Crossroads of America...Indianapolis. The Indy market has yet to be announced by Sprint, but is expected to be announced in the near future. Perhaps around the time of the first market launches.
    The Sprint Indianapolis market encompasses all of Central Indiana, including the Indianapolis Metropolitan Area, Bloomington, Lafayette, Anderson, Muncie, Kokomo and Columbus. Sprint's Network Vision OEM Samsung is scheduled to begin mobilizing with its subcontractors in August. Completed Network Vision sites are scheduled to start coming online in September.
     
    Indianapolis Market Launch
    It was Sprint's original plan to launch markets when they reached 50% of sites converted to Network Vision. However, it has now been determined that Sprint will move up launches sooner than 50% completion in several markets. This is likely to maintain a Mid 2012 launch in markets that have already been announced. However, in an unannounced market like Indy, we don't know if they will resume pushing back market launches to 50%, or if they will now settle on a 40% completion to be the new normal for market launches.
    It doesn't much matter in this market if Sprint launches at 40% or 50% completion. Samsung is scheduled to hit both the 40% and 50% milestones in the month of December (should they stay on schedule). It may seem that 40% - 50% site completion is not enough to launch LTE service, but it would provide pretty good coverage. Even Verizon doesn't launch on all sites in a market initially. Usually less than 50%, then filling in with more and more sites every few months.
     
    Anticipated Sites Complete at Market Launch. According to the Network Vision schedules that S4GRU has reviewed, if Sprint launched the market in December, these are the anticipated sites that would likely have LTE complete at that time. This would provide fairly good LTE coverage over many parts of the market.
     
    Schedule details and the bottom line
    We currently do not have a date that Sprint will formally "launch" LTE service in Indy. It is difficult to try to pick a date now this far out, but we will take a stab at it. In looking at the schedule as of today, it would indicate a December market launch (going on a 40% - 50% completion for launch). But there is no way to know if Samsung and their subcontractors will actually hit their schedule dates this early in the deployment for this market. We will be able to gauge better after a few months of production.
    Samsung will need to hit a production rate of 35 sites per month to stay on schedule. This is an easy to achieve rate in our opinion. If properly prepared and equipped and if backhaul is ready timely, this market shouldn't have any problems staying on time. They may even be able to get ahead of schedule here.
    S4GRU has examined the schedule in great detail in this market and sees that most of the sites will be complete by May 2013. However, there may be a few sporadic sites that will linger past the completion.

    Photo of the Indianapolis skyline provided courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
     
    NOTE: S4GRU Sponsor Members can track regular updates of
    Network Vision sites completed nationwide. Completed sites are shown in an interactive Google Maps interface. Information about sponsorship can be found here: S4GRU Sponsorship
  3. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Friday, August 3, 2012 - 4:25 PM MDT
     
    There has been a lot of discussion around our forums, and certainly in many other places, how Sprint's LTE coverage maps of launched markets have been pretty overly optimistic. To say it nicely.
    Today I decided to create some LTE coverage maps for St. Joseph, Missouri for our members usage, and for grins, I pulled up the Sprint LTE coverage map for the same area. The difference is pretty noticeable.
    In our map, we used data that we have from Sprint about each of the live sites, including tower height and downtilt. So we can enter in as accurate information as possible. We use the coverage creators that are provided from our friends at CloudRF.com. You can see the differences below.
     
    S4GRU St. Joseph LTE Coverage Map. In the map above, you can see the LTE coverages for Sprint from the live sites in the area. This was produced by S4GRU using CloudRF.com. Green denotes Sprint 4G LTE Coverage area.
     

    Sprint St. Joseph LTE Coverage Map. In this map you can see the LTE coverage as reported from coverage.sprint.com over the same area. Orange denotes Sprint 4G LTE Coverage area.
     
    We recognize that this is far from a scientific analysis. The data used to create our map is accurate, however we are dependent on the modeling used by the coverage generator at CloudRF. We feel that CloudRF though has been very accurate in previous analyses we have conducted including our own field verification tests. So we feel pretty confident in our results posted here.
    It appears that Sprint has indeed posted very flattering LTE coverage in its maps so far. At least in regards to St. Joe. However, this was already supported by dozens of comments by our members as well. For the time being, I would not consider using Sprint's LTE coverage maps for very defined coverage of a specific neighborhood or street, but rather just to know if they have some live sites in a general area.
     
    EDIT 6:30 PM MDT: S4GRU Writer, A.J. Shepherd, was in St. Joe this evening and reported a new live site that was not on our maps. We have added it and changed the coverages to reflect this recent addition.
     
     
    FURTHER READING FOR S4GRU SPONSORS: We have an interactive version of our St. Joseph coverage map in our Sponsor section, and have a discussion thread posted there.
  4. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Tuesday, July 17, 2012 - 5:01 PM MDT
     
    I am taking a moment and breaking from our normal Network Vision news and educational pieces to write an editorial. I try not to bloviate, but I feel like I am at a breaking point here. This weekend was a moment of great joy for many of us Sprint Network Enthusiasts as 4G LTE started going live at hundreds of sites across the country in a few select markets. However, our geek party was frequently interrupted by incessant whining.
    One of the chief frequent whines I heard around S4GRU was related to LTE coverage. And it still is populating our forum posts, my e-mail box and our social media sites. You folks need to wake up and get a grip. The world is not ending.
    S4GRU has been out there building expectations among our members and readers from the beginning. We have written hundreds of articles on Network Vision/LTE deployment. Anyone who actually reads our content knows that Sprint is targeting 40% market completion at market launch. 40%. That means 60% of the sites within a market do not have LTE at the time a market is planned to launch. Sprint did not quite even get to 40% with these July 15th markets, but proceeded any way based on demand from customers wanting access.
     
    You hypocrites!
    You know, I find it very interesting that so many people were pushing Sprint to stop blocking LTE connections. There was a large battle cry from most Sprint LTE device holders in active deployment areas for Sprint to stop blocking completed LTE sites. "Let me use my LTE, darn it!" This was heard over and over again. We even were championing for Sprint to open up their LTE network at completed sites for customers to use.
    Finally, Sprint does exactly that. Instead of rejoicing, there was whining en masse. "I live in the San Antonio market. And the block where I live behind the Piggly Wiggly doesn't have LTE right this very second. Sprint sucks. I'm leaving!" Really? Are people that messed up??? Many of you should be ashamed of your self-centered ridiculous tantrums that you posted, publicly embarrassing yourself. You act as if Sprint actually went through maps and hand picked who would win and who would lose in early deployments. This is far from reality.
     
    Early access or comprehensive coverage? Pick one, you can't have both
    The question I have for you folks is this...
    Should Sprint have waited until these markets were 100% complete later this year to allow the completed LTE sites to be used, or should they open up the markets now where at least the completed sites can be used? This is a no-brainer! Open them up now and every additional site that goes live every week, as they are complete! These markets that have launched are not done. They are still active deployment zones and additional sites will come live every week until completed. And we will update the progress here at S4GRU.
    This ridiculous moaning and complaining will just make it more likely that Sprint will not allow other markets to go live early. If all they hear from their customers are the whiny bunch, then they will think their customers don't want LTE until it is completely ready, with no bugs and completely 100% deployed. You may not like it, but the complainers are speaking for all of us.
     
    Time to stand up and go on the offensive
    If you want to continue to have access to the LTE network early, then you need to stand up and start posting out there the counter story. The tech sites, blogs and forums are being inundated with these people speaking on your behalf. Complaining about all the problems of an early launch and early access to LTE. You may even have to go to the Sprint Community Forums and help defend the intelligent decision to open up LTE early. The counter point needs to get out there.
    It's time for the Wireless Nerds to take our rightful place. We want access to the network early. We would rather live with a few bugs and limited coverage than to not have access to Sprint's LTE network at all. Sprint needs to continue opening up their LTE network even in more places where they can. And they will be afraid to do that in the next markets if we don't take a stand.
    I know this editorial may be a little over the top for some of you. But I am mad as hell, and I'm not going to let the whiners speak over our voices any more. We are Sprint, not them!
     
    Signed,
    Robert
    Leader of the Nerds
     
    EDIT: Changed the two references to bitching. I violated my own rules.
  5. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Sunday, July 15, 2012 - 10:44 AM MDT
     
    Launch day is here. Sprint has launched 4G LTE in the 5 markets and more than a dozen cities as they announced a few weeks ago. 4G LTE is available now in:
    Atlanta, Georgia Dallas, Texas Ft. Worth, Texas Houston, Texas San Antonio, Texas Athens, Georgia Rome, Georgia Waco, Texas Galveston, Texas Conroe, Texas Huntsville, Texas Corsicana, Texas Greenville, Texas New Braunfels, Texas Mineral Wells, Texas Gainesville, Texas Freeport/Lake Jackson, Texas St. Joseph, Missouri Manhattan, Kansas Wichita, Kansas (isolated locations) More coverages to be added every week. Stay tuned to S4GRU.com for all the latest.
    And now, for the launch day video:
     
     
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX9Agiuzie0
     
     
    Live Atlanta/Athens LTE sites as of the last S4GRU update. There are more sites live at this time than what we are reporting. But more coverage will be added weekly.
  6. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Thursday, July 12, 2012 - 9:58 AM MDT
     
    Yesterday, dozens of S4GRU members in the Kansas market started rejoicing as they saw 4G icons start appearing on their Sprint LTE devices. Several threads were posted in our forums, and my e-mail box started filling and text chimes on my phone started ringing. LTE was coming live in the Kansas City area.
    Now I have received confirmation from sources within Sprint, that they have indeed stopped blocking LTE connections in the Kansas market. LTE is now discoverable for Sprint LTE devices. Every complete and signed off LTE site in the market is now live. Even in places outside Kansas City, like St. Joseph, Missouri and Manhattan, Kansas. And more are expected to go live every week until the market is 100% complete.
    We should hear more about other Sprint LTE markets soon. Stay tuned.
    Let us know if you are getting any 4G LTE service in other communities in the market. Like Wichita, Hutchinson, Topeka, etc.
     
    Live LTE sites as of the last S4GRU update. There are more sites live at this time than what we are reporting. Solid coverage is isolated around Olathe and Independence. But more coverage will be added weekly.
  7. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Saturday, July 14, 2012 - 8:46 AM MDT
     
    It's been quite a beehive of activity around the S4GRU forums as members proclaim that 4G icons are appearing live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, Houston, San Antonio and in isolated spots around the Austin market (most notably around Waco). 4G LTE is appearing in these markets.
    I have now received confirmation from sources within Sprint, that they have indeed stopped blocking LTE connections in the DFW, Houston, San Antontio and Austin markets. LTE is now discoverable for Sprint LTE devices in these locations where LTE sites have been completed. Every fully configured and signed off LTE site in these markets is now live.
    Currently, this leaves only th Atlanta market to be lit up of the July 15th announced cities. Our sources do not know when that is yet, but feel like it may even still be later today. There is a flurry of activity occurring. There have also been reports of some LTE sites appearing in the Chicago market by S4GRU members. But these are very scattered and inconsistent.
    Please note that the live LTE sites in the Austin market is very limited. Mostly around Waco. But there are a very few isolated sites live in the Austin metro area. We are awaiting details on locations.
     
    Live DFW LTE sites as of the last S4GRU update. There are more sites live at this time than what we are reporting. But more coverage will be added weekly.
     
     
    Live Houston LTE sites as of the last S4GRU update. There are more sites live at this time than what we are reporting. But more coverage will be added weekly.
     
     
    Live San Antonio LTE sites as of the last S4GRU update. There are more sites live at this time than what we are reporting. But more coverage will be added weekly.
     
     
    Live Waco LTE sites as of the last S4GRU update. There are more sites live at this time than what we are reporting, even a few around the City of Austin. But more coverage will be added weekly.
  8. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Wednesday, July 18, 2012 - 12:59 PM MDT
     
    As many of you already know, the ability to connect and keep connected to LTE signals in Sprint's launch markets has been problematic for Sprint customers. What's going on?
    Here at our forums at S4GRU, we have been busy talking with our members and trying to figure out the issue since LTE markets started going live last Thursday. Some members were able to connect early and often. Some had problems and were able to eventually connect. Some have been unable to stay connected. Some have never connected, even standing right next to a live LTE site.
    We have now complied a lot of data from our members and have drawn some observational conclusions. There are two main issues, connecting to LTE can be a challenge on some devices (especially the EVO LTE), and the signal thresholds are not optimum to keep connected to LTE before getting pushed back to the 3G EVDO network.
     
    I am in a confirmed LTE area with a strong signal but cannot connect
    Some LTE devices just do not want to connect to LTE. With the EVO LTE, some of our members have complained that they even stood next to a confirmed operating LTE site and the 4G icon would not appear. For most of these folks though, cycling from CDMA/LTE mode, back to CDMA only mode and then back to CDMA/LTE mode forces the phone to look for a LTE signal. This has worked for most people I have talked with who have an EVO LTE and know they are in a strong LTE signal area. This also seems to help some other LTE devices sometimes.
    There most likely is an issue where these devices are not scanning for LTE service like they should be. When you go out of CDMA/LTE mode and then come back in, the first thing the device does is scan for LTE service. Hopefully, Sprint will get an OTA out that fixes this issue soon.
     
    I can connect to LTE but it goes back to 3G EVDO
    Other members have discussed how they can connect to 4G LTE, whether automatically or by forcing it (as described above), but it goes back to 3G EVDO. They cannot keep a Sprint LTE connection. This may happen right away, or this may happen as they drive down the road, or after they pick up the device.
    By the best we can tell, this is being caused by the LTE signal thresholds programmed in the device(s). When your device is in CDMA/LTE mode, it seeks LTE first. If it finds LTE, it should connect, but if it doesn't have a strong enough signal, it shunts the user off to 3G, sometimes in seconds. The devices have a minimum LTE signal programmed in them (it appears to be somewhere in the midrange and could be slightly different between devices).
    If the LTE minimum signal that is programmed is maintained, the device stays connected to LTE, no problems in most instances. So if you have a strong LTE signal after you connect, you will most likely keep it. However, if you have a midrange LTE signal, you will likely get bumped back down to 3G EVDO if you should move farther away from the signal, or maybe even pick up the device. Most devices will drop a few dBm of signal when being held, and it could be enough to move you back down to 3G.
    If you have a weak LTE signal, then you are almost doomed. You will not likely be able to stay connected to LTE for very long and most likely be shunted back to 3G pretty quickly. An exception to this we noted is if you are also in a weak 3G area. But if you have a strong 3G signal and a weak LTE signal, you are most likely not going to be able stay connected with the current thresholds programmed.
     
    What can Sprint do?
    I know this is very frustrating for most of you. We all want it to work flawlessly. But this is part of the process. Sprint needs our constructive feedback so they can make changes. There are drawbacks to being early adopters.
    That is the point of this article. To wrap up some meaningful and thoughtful feedback from our members into a single comprehensive piece and give to Sprint for them to work on. As well as educate our members and readers into some of the information we have been able to determine.
    Sprint, please work with your OEM's right away on OTA's to adjust the thresholds for keeping LTE signals, as well as addressing the cycling through CDMA only mode to get devices to make initial LTE connection. One key point that I hear over and over again is that LTE customers would rather have a weak LTE signal than a strong 3G signal. Weak LTE still performs better than even good 3G in most instances.
    If anyone from Sprint would like to reach out to me and provide any updates of what they are doing to address the problem, I would love to receive a PM, email or Direct Message on Twitter. I will then be happy to provide an update for our members and readers.
     
    What can we do now?
    With WiMax devices, we could actually change the WiMax signal threshold ourselves. However, we have not been able to locate anywhere in the LTE devices where that can be done. So we are in a waiting position to see if Sprint will help us.
    If you absolutely cannot connect to LTE or stay connected to LTE, you can force your device into LTE only mode. If you do this, you will lose access to 3G EVDO and 1x services while in this mode. But it is reversible at any time. It requires your device's MSL code, though. You can get your MSL code by using some apps like MSL Reader, or by using a Terminal Emulator with some models. You can search the web for ways to get your MSL code of your particular device. Some people can even get it from Sprint CSR's.
    Once you have your MSL code, go into your phone dialer and enter ##DATA# (*#*#DATA#*#* on the Galaxy Nexus). A menu will open and ask you to select Edit or View. Select Edit. Enter your MSL number. Now in each device, there may be some variability in the next steps. Select the Others button, then choose HDR/1X selection. Select LTE Only mode. Now you will only be able to connect to LTE, no 3G or 1x. However, you will not be able to make/receive phone calls or text in this mode. Data only.
    Once in LTE Only mode, you will only be able to connect to LTE signals. Even weak LTE signals. And you will not have to worry about getting shoved off into 3G. This will allow you to test your LTE, and make sure your LTE is indeed working in your device. You could stay parked in this mode if you wanted to. You just wouldn't be able to use the phone or text. To restore to normal, just go back in the same way and select LTE/CDMA or LTE/CDMA/EVDO, depending on your device.
    If going into LTE only mode you are still unable to connect to LTE, then you are either not in LTE coverage like you thought you were, or your device has a problem.
    This is all we know at this time. We will update with more information as we learn it. Thank you to all who helped gather this information from the field. You guys are what make S4GRU an awesome place!
     
  9. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Monday, September 10, 2012 - 8:05 AM MDT
     
    This morning, we received a Press Release from Sprint Marketing that shows some of Sprint's plan in their LTE deployment through the end of the year. In this Press Release, Sprint officially names 12 more markets that have received/starting to receive LTE deployments currently, and names more than 100 communities names.
    None of these are any surprise to people who follow S4GRU closely, especially those with access to Sponsor content. In fact, this Press Release is a big confirmation of all of our data to date.
    This will be an exciting update to the millions of Sprint customers in these areas and now makes many more markets official. Stay with S4GRU to plot the progress!
     
  10. S4GRU
    by Ian Littman
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Friday, September 14, 2012 - 9:35 AM MDT
     
    In the past, Apple’s iPhone wasn’t quite the ideal Sprint phone from a network perspective; it lacked 4G of any sort and didn’t include support for Sprint’s nascent SMR-800 1x CDMA network (in place of Nextel iDEN). The situation could be worse (for example, CricKet iPhones can’t get native service in many of the company’s newer, AWS-only markets), but as a flagship phone it was odd to see the iPhone lacking one core piece of Network Vision support that every other Sprint phone released in the past year has had.
    That issue has now been solved...sort of. I’m Ian Littman, standing in for AJ (aka WiWavelength) with an analysis of the non-AT&T edition (A1429) of the iPhone. I’ll focus on the pieces that Sprint subscribers will use, as the phone supports a cornucopia of bands and technologies (quad-band GSM/EDGE, quad-band HSPA+ including dual-carrier, EvDO Rev. B with up to 3 carriers in the cellular band) in addition to CDMA 1x, EvDO and LTE (in 2100MHz and 1800MHz, which Sprint won’t use).
    So, without further ado, the rundown:
     
    On the surface it looks like the iPhone is a very capable device; it can realistically hit 100 Mbps on LTE, using both its antennas to receive (but not send) the signal on a 20MHz channel (which a number of Sprint phones don’t support, my Galaxy SIII included). It supports a ton of bands (my bet is that even the “GSM version” of the A1429 has CDMA built in, but it is not certified/disabled in non-CDMA countries) and technologies. However the good news ends there.
    For example, several Sprint phones now have SVDO and/or SVLTE support; you can make a call on 1x while maintaining a data connection. The Sprint/Verizon versions of the iPhone, to our knowledge, can’t do that. The best it can do is VoIP over LTE or EvDO...garden-variety VoIP, not the more robust VoLTE variety. Being able to transmit LTE on only one antenna isn’t terribly surprising...most current phones are 1x2 MISO (Multiple In Single Out), however Apple’s attention is obviously directed at carriers with HSPA networks when it comes to delivering a high-quality wireless experience. Another example of this is Apple’s HD Voice ability; Sprint will be the first US carrier to support the technology, but not on the iPhone, which can only use HD Voice over WCDMA.
    Apple’s ability to pack a ton of bands into a single, super-slim phone is definitely a technological marvel, particularly in conjunction with a wide-channel LTE network (since the iPhone’s WiFi is SISO, it may be able to pull down data more quickly on LTE than on 802.11n, given ideal conditions on both). However a tailor-made Sprint phone it most definitely is not, though the inclusion of SMR CDMA softens the blow a bit.
    As an aside, the AT&T edition of the iPhone supports LTE in the PCS (without G), AWS and Cellular bands, in addition to AT&T’s current 700MHz lower-B/lower-C network (band classes 2, 4, 5 and 7, respectively). So the AT&T edition of the phone is actually a better fit for providers like CricKet, MetroPCS and US Cellular...if not for the glaring omission of those carriers’ 3G network technologies (and VoLTE).
     
  11. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Saturday, September 29, 2012 - 9:45 AM MDT
     
    S4GRU members in the Indianapolis market have been wondering if something is up recently. Seeing a little activity at Sprint sites in the area. The past couple of days, flickerings of Sprint LTE have been discovered in the NE and East Indy suburbs. Network Vision/LTE deployment is now confirmed under way in the Indianapolis market.
    As you can see in the map at the bottom, diligent S4GRU members have been out scouring the city trying to find spots of live Sprint LTE. And they have found them. But it is definitely early in the deployment. The signals come and go throughout the day in these locations. Undoubtedly, Samsung's subcontractors are testing the signals, and often turn them off when they leave the site for the day.
    We are quite happy to see work is definitely occurring in the Indianapolis market. And it is starting right on time, as the first LTE sites were expected around early October. Given a few rough starts to LTE deployment, it seems Sprint is starting to get things under control and maybe they will start hitting their stride with their OEM's and subcontractors soon.
     

    Preliminary Speed Test and Tower Phots. S4GRU Members hit the streets to find and document the LTE signals around Indy. The speed test is rather slow compared to other Sprint LTE deployments with a good signal. But they only just have begun testing in this market. Images from S4GRU member newboyx.
     
    This is the first evidence of Network Vision/LTE deployment we have discovered in the Indy market. Deployment is likely occurring over the entire market and will soon be in many other communities in the vicinity. Sprint is targeting several cities in this market for launch before the end of the year. The following Indianapolis market communities were listed in Sprint's next 100 city list, including Anderson, Columbus, Carmel, Muncie, and of course, Indianapolis. At this point, it seems that other communities in this market will likely not have enough LTE service to constitute the service launched until some time after the New Year.
    In the interim, LTE signals may come and go around Indy. They are just in the infancy of deployment. Sprint has been pretty consistent in blocking LTE connections at completed sites after they accept the improvements from the Network Vision OEM/subcontractors. Also, it may not be surprising to see isolated LTE signals appear in other Central Indiana Sprint communities.
     

    Sensorly.com LTE coverage map in Indianapolis, Indiana. Some S4GRU members hit the road and plotted LTE signals using the Sensorly Android map to illustrate some of the coverage by the newly active sites. Click on Map to Enlarge.
  12. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Friday, September 28, 2012 - 5:15 AM MDT
     
    S4GRU received a tip from one of our members in Northern Indiana ten days ago Network Vision was spotted underway in the Ft. Wayne/South Bend market. He was able to take some photos (below) to show that new Network Vision panels indeed have been added at Site #CH03HO119 located on the south west side of Elkhart, Indiana.
    Yesterday, S4GRU members found Sprint LTE signals in this vicinity, reaching all over the south side of Elkhart out toward Goshen. Hurrah! Several members went out and started adding this coverage to Sensorly.com coverage maps. Sensorly has an Android app that people can download which can be used to upload 4G LTE coverages of wireless carriers to Google maps for tracking (and 3G/2G signals too).
    This is welcome news to Sprint customers in Northern Indiana. This work is also a little early based on the Network Vision schedules S4GRU has. Some of our members have joked in the past that this market gets preferential treatment from Sprint, because the Sprint CEO Dan Hesse went to school at Notre Dame. Although we have no evidence of any favoritism involved here, we are always happy to see any Network Vision progress and report it back to you.
     

    Site #CH03HO119 in Elkhart, Indiana. The new Network Vision panel that contains LTE is in the middle of the bottom rack on the tower. The legacy PCS panels are on both sides. Photos from S4GRU member C.A.R.
     
    This is the first evidence of Network Vision/LTE deployment we have discovered in the Ft. Wayne/South Bend market. Deployment is likely beginning over the entire market and will soon be in all corners, even the Fort Wayne area. However, only the communities of South Bend/Elkhart, Warsaw and Marion were included in the next 100 city list Sprint released a few weeks ago containing names of communities expected to have a launchable amount of LTE service before the end of 2012. At this point, it seems that other communities in this market will likely not have enough LTE service to constitute the service launched until some time after the New Year.
    In the interim, LTE signals may come and go around the South Bend/Elkhart area. They are just in the infancy of deployment. Sprint has been pretty consistent in blocking LTE connections at completed sites after they accept the improvements from the Network Vision OEM/subcontractors. Also, it may not be surprising to see isolated LTE signals appear in other Northern Indiana Sprint communities.
    This market also contains a remarkable amount of 1x sites. Sites that essentially only have 2G speeds, never receiving 3G EVDO upgrades. It is believed that these sites will go from 1x service only to 3G and 4G LTE at the same time. Essentially skipping the entire 3rd generation of wireless service. There are thousands of rural customers looking forward to having a 3G network finally, at the same time they get 4G wireless broadband.

    Sensorly.com LTE coverage map in Elkhart, Indiana. Several S4GRU members hit the road and plotted LTE signals using the Sensorly Android map to illustrate some of the coverage by the new site.
  13. S4GRU
    by Ian Littman
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - 7:05 AM MDT
     
    At around $100 with a contract (before the inevitable wave of promotional offers that have already hit its big brother, the Galaxy SIII), the Samsung Galaxy Victory falls under the definition of a midrange smartphone. It has specs somewhat reminiscent of the old Epic 4G: a 5 megapixel rear camera with 720p video recording, a front camera, a 4-inch 800x480 screen and a not-particularly-slim profile.
    However it differs from that older device by dropping the keyboard, upping the battery to the same-capacity (but, compared to my SIII, not the same model) 2100 mAh unit found in the SIII, pushing the Android version to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and swapping WiMAX for LTE as its 4G technology.
    But that’s information you can get anywhere. What about the phone’s maximum output powers, simultaneous-data-and-voice capabilities, and antenna placement? You’ve come to the right place. Spoiler: this device looks solid.
     
     
    This phone isn’t nearly as hot of an item as the iPhone 5 (nor does it have the specs...or the price to give the Apple product a run for its money), however the iPhone happens to be a very fair device to compare the Victory to in terms of radio performance. On CDMA the iPhone marginally wins out on PCS (by 0.31 dB), however it’s trounced by the Victory in SMR with a 4.69 dB lead in transmit EIRP, showing the difference between a jack-of-all-trades and a purpose-built Sprint phone. On the LTE side, the iPhone wins out by around 3.3 dB on the EIRP front, however this number decreases to fall in line with the Victory if the iPhone’s upper antenna is used (the Victory only transmits EvDO and LTE with its upper antenna). Plus, the Victory can hold a voice call on 1x while utilizing EvDO or LTE for data.
    iPhone comparisons aside, the Victory is a phone very obviously made with Sprint in mind. Radio figures actually look better across the board than either the Evo 4G LTE or the Galaxy SIII, though these numbers only describe the device’s transmit power, not how well it can receive a signal in a marginal area. Still, as midrange phones with LTE go, the strong radio characteristics of the Victory (or, as Sprint calls it, the Samsung Galaxy Victory 4G LTE) add to the list of reasons to get this phone over something else of the same ilk.
     
  14. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Monday, October 22, 2012 - 11:00 AM MDT
     
    Today, Sprint announced in four separate Press Releases that they have brought 4G LTE Service to the Chicagoland area, as well as Wichita Falls Texas, Hutchinson and McPherson Kansas, New Bedford and Fall River, Massachusetts. It is probably no accident that Sprint selected to use the phrase "Sprint brings 4G LTE" in lieu of "launched." Don't misunderstand though that this is good news.
    LTE service in these newly announced areas has actually been active for awhile (in some places several months). Sprint only announced the outer suburbs of Chicago as being live, but actually Sprint LTE service is live over 80% of the metro area. However, the more urban sites in Chicago need to have service bolstered up even greater before Sprint sticks their neck out and claim the service is live. Even in non launched areas of the Chicago market, LTE service is still usable where sites have been completed.
     
    Chicago Sprint LTE Coverage Map. This is the LTE coverage map showing in Chicago as of today. Coverages shown are a little generous with their modeling. This map would indicate coverage is nearly total, but we think it's more like 80%, using a very liberal estimate.
    In both Hutchinson and McPherson, Kansas, each of those cities now has two LTE sites operable. For McPherson, that covers most of the area, only leaving one more site to upgrade. In Hutchinson, they have two of five sites broadcasting LTE, which covers most of the city pretty well. Service will get even better when full LTE density is achieved.
    Over in Wichita Falls, Texas, Sprint LTE is usable from three sites out of sixteen. So site density is very thin at this point. Sprint overly optimistically shows very good coverage on their maps saturating the entire Wichita Falls area. Service should be decent when near these three sites, otherwise you will likely only be able to get coverage outside. LTE performance will drastically improve as more and more coverage is added in the next few months.
    In Southeast Massachusetts, Sprint LTE is also live around Fall River and New Bedford. The first New Bedford LTE site went online about five weeks ago, and the service has been growing since. Currently both New Bedford and Fall River have three LTE sites a piece working. Which is about one third of the total sites in the area. So coverage is OK now, but will get even better over the next few months.
    On another note, our members discovered the new coverages show up Friday night on the Sprint website and figured out Sprint would be making these announcements on Monday. Clever group we have here at S4GRU.
     
    NOTE: In our Sponsor Section, we have interactive maps that show all the completed sites to date, including the sites in the markets referenced in this article. Information about sponsorship can be found here: S4GRU Sponsorship
  15. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Thursday, January 31, 2013 - 10:33 AM MST
     
    Today we feature text from internal correspondence that was distributed to Sprint employees regarding the state of the Network Vision deployment and addresses key points that employees often encounter with the public. It is from a Q&A session with Chad Elliott, Sprint's Director of Strategic Technology Programs.
    Although there aren't really points in the memo that will be surprises for S4GRU Members who follow deployment closely, it is helpful to get some sort of official documentation from Sprint that we can now point to explain what is going on. It is a good and concise reference of many key challenges that have impacted Network Vision, with some vague outlook for 2013.
    Some things discussed in the memo include that production is ramping up and with more launches more frequently, why smaller towns/cities seem to be being upgraded first, issues going on that are slowing down deployment in some areas, etc. Take a look at the memo below:
     
  16. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Wednesday, February 13, 2013 - 1:13 AM MST
     
    Often you may see us refer to a GMO site around S4GRU. But, what is a GMO site? GMO stands for Ground Mount Option. Or sometimes, it will be referred to as a GMR (Ground Mount RRU) site. In this article we will explain many points about the Ground Mount Option.
    In the most basic explanation, a Ground Mount site is one where they are doing a partial Network Vision conversion instead of a full build conversion. A full build site is one where they upgrade all the hardware at a site, including the base station equipment (RBS/MBS), install new multi-mode antenna panels on the tower, add Remote Radio Units (RRU’s, sometimes also called RRH’s), and run new fiber optic lines from the base station equipment up to the RRU’s on the tower. These are the ones most people who follow along Network Vision deployment are familiar with.
    However, a GMO site will install new base station equipment, with the RRU’s mounted down at the Ground Level, near the new base station cabinets. Then the existing lines running up the tower and the existing panels are reused. These are not to be confused with full build sites with Ground Mounted RRU’s. Those are not Ground Mount Option sites, because they still offer full Network Vision panels, and complete 800MHz and LTE services (where possible). They just are required to mount the RRU’s away from the panels for logistical reasons.
     
    How did Sprint determine which sites were to receive the Ground Mount Option instead of a full Network Vision rebuild?
    I have had the privilege of talking with several Sprint and OEM employees about the Ground Mount Option the past few weeks. Every one of the 38,000+ Sprint sites in the country had a site survey visit in 2011 to establish logistics and planning for the Network Vision upgrade. Each site is broken down to three priorities, largely based on the traffic and carrier count. See the priorities below:
    High Priority...site gets full Network Vision upgrade. If site cannot support RRU's and new panels, engineering is done and structure modifications will be made and the site is fully upgraded. Moderate Priority...site gets full Network Vision upgrade. If the site requires minor modifications to support RRU's and NV panels, then it gets fully upgraded. If it requires major attention with full engineering, then a ground mount solution is implemented. Low Priority...low priority sites only get a full NV upgrade with new NV panels and tower mounted RRU's if no structural modification is necessary. If anything is required at a low priority site, the Ground Mount Option is deployed. Also, some low capacity/low priority sites get GMO installs, no matter if the site can support a full install now. At the site survey time back in 2011, each survey team made a judgment call based on their review of the site whether to go full build or GMO, taking into account the priority. And there are anomalies that just do not make any sense. Some markets have no GMO sites at all. And some markets have all GMO sites, like Western Pennsylvania. Also, some site owners will not allow NV full build for various reasons. In these instances, a Ground Mount Option was selected.
     
    What are the advantages of a Ground Mount site?
    The biggest advantage of a GMO site is these sites are being worked on now and getting Network Vision benefits in the middle of the NV program, instead of at the end of the build out. Many 3rd Round Markets have started earlier because of GMO conversions. 1st and 2nd round markets have mostly full build sites with only a few GMO’s, or none at all. This allows some love for customers that would have been pushed off to the very end of Network Vision to see some improvements now.
    GMO sites are much faster to deploy with no tower work required. Most GMO sites will require minimal permitting from local authorities, or often no permitting at all. Also, GMO's require less negotiation with the site owner, as it does not materially change the site. GMO site conversions are already under way all around the country, and all of them should be completed before the end of this Summer. There are already 100’s of them with 3G upgrades in place.
    Ground Mount Option sites also will bring LTE much sooner at many locations. Because LTE 1900 can be run on most GMO sites if the appropriate backhaul is available and Sprint has the OEM install the appropriate number of RRU’s or RRU type. The first LTE capable GMO’s are coming online now. Alcatel Lucent has two live, one in New Bern, North Carolina and another one in the Shentel market in South Central Pennsylvania. Samsung has one live in Dayton, Minnesota. This is just the beginning.
     
    What are the cons of a Ground Mount Option site?
    There are a few. The first con with the Ground Mount Option, is there will not be any 800MHz service deployed. Sprint is in the process of adding CDMA 800 voice service to full build Network Vision sites. Sprint will also begin deploying LTE 800 service to full build NV sites before the end of 2013. However, GMO sites cannot support 800MHz service, as the existing tower mounted panels do not support 800MHz. In some rural areas, this is a big disappointment as customers have been waiting for 800 MHz signal propagation benefits in the boonies (like me).
    The second issue, is the availability of LTE. All full build sites get LTE, but some GMO sites will not be getting LTE deployments. Most GMO sites can support LTE through existing panels, so long as there are not too many CDMA carriers installed. However, some higher capacity GMO sites will not get LTE. Also, some of the most backhaul challenged sites in the Sprint network are GMO sites. They will not get LTE initially because Sprint is unable to get sufficient backhaul to the site to support LTE performance requirements, or in some instances Sprint does not want to go through the difficulty of equipping some sites that are a low priority.
    The last negative detriment of a GMO site is signal propagation benefits of panel mounted RRU’s. A Network Vision full build site with panel mounted RRU’s can achieve up to a 20% signal gain at 1900MHz. However, the full 20% is only realized at very tall boomer sites with little downtilt. Most sites get more like a 5% signal increase. And these GMO’s will not get that extra signal benefit.
     
    Are Ground Mount Options this way forever?
    Furthermore, at sites where the GMO is implemented, supposedly they will come back at the end of NV and do the engineering and structural modifications. At that time 800 service will be added when the new panels are installed, as well as LTE to sites that can secure appropriate backhaul.
    I have heard that in some instances (maybe a few hundred), they are using GMO's where they could not come to an agreement with the site owner. Whether financial agreement or logistical/structural. In those instances, Sprint is identifying other adjacent sites that they may move the site to at the end of NV. If no other options can be achieved, it may permanently stay a GMO and never have NV panels and 800 service.
    My understanding has grown tenfold in the past 2 weeks between talking to the Ericsson tech that's been on site and a long conversation I had with an OEM deployment manager. The most recent conversation I had, the source said they recently heard that more funding is being identified that could go ahead and do more work with GMO sites. Which may include converting them to full builds earlier, or at least changing out legacy panels to NV panels to add support for 800MHz.
     
    Differences between vendors
    Not all GMO sites are the same. Sprint is using three different vendors to deploy Network Vision. Ericsson, Samsung and Alcatel Lucent. Each of these three OEM’s have their own proprietary equipment. Different base station equipment and different RRU’s.
    Samsung has two types of RRU’s. 800MHz and 1900 MHz RRU’s. Each of the two Samsung RRU types can do both CDMA and LTE from the same unit, supporting up to four carriers each. At a Samsung GMO site, only one RRU is needed per sector, as the RRU can do LTE and CDMA on the same unit.
    However, Ericsson and Alcatel Lucent do not have it so easy. These two OEM’s cannot run CDMA and LTE on the same RRU. They need a separate RRU for CDMA and LTE on each sector. This is more work and more cost.
    S4GRU has been told that Ericsson is finalizing a new RRU that can handle CDMA and LTE on the same unit, but they are not in production yet. These are referred to around the forums as RRUS12. Many Ericsson GMO sites have been spotted with only a single RRU per sector. Unfortunately, these have all been RRUS11 units, which cannot support CDMA and LTE together, only in separate RRU’s. Hopefully many of these will get a second RRU still to support LTE, or maybe be switched out with an RRUS12 unit when they start to hit the streets.
     
    In closing
    Some of our members have been quite disappointed to learn that their site was selected for a Ground Mount Option. And I have to admit, I too initially was disappointed myself. Especially since my site is one of the GMO’s that will not receive LTE. At least, at first.
    The thing that we have to keep in mind is these are sites that are either very low priority or very difficult to upgrade. These were always going to be the very last sites to be touched at all, if at all. The majority of GMO sites probably wouldn’t have started until Spring/Summer 2014.
    For these sites to receive partial upgrades now is a very good thing. Many of us want everything, and we want it yesterday too. This is not practical though. All things considered, the Ground Mount Option is an elegant solution to the problem. Sprint just needs to push the envelope and install LTE on every one where it is physically possible.
    Oh and Dan, please add LTE to my GMO site (EP03AL506). It just will take two more RRUS11 units, or possibly a prototype RRUS12 unit. Just imagine the good S4GRU publicity you’d get. I will even arrange the backhaul for you!
     
    Ericsson GMO site photo. New Ericsson NV base cabinets in the back and ground mount RRU's on the left. Three CDMA RRU's present here, one for each sector. No LTE at this site initially.
     
    Samsung GMO site photo. New Samsung NV base cabinets at the left and ground mount RRU's directly in front. Three RRU's present here, one for each sector. Samsung GMO sites can run CDMA and LTE if set up that way.
     
    Alcatel Lucent GMO site photo. New AlcaLu NV base cabinets on the right and ground mount RRU's on the center. Six CDMA RRU's present here, two for each sector (one behind each also). AlcaLu GMO LTE sites will require two RRU's per sector.
  17. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - 5:37 PM MST
     
    Clearwire. Clearwire. Clearwire! Clearwire!!! And Dan Hesse wakes up.
    Clearwire has often been the bain of Sprint’s existence. Once hopeful adopted child. Then run amok with its own plans, disregarding everything its Daddy taught them. And then prodigal child returning home. And now Clearwire is out of wireless rehab with its new CEO Eric Prusch and trying to get things turned around. And its future is looking more promising than its past.
     
    Come on? Really? An iPhone that runs on Clearwire? Stop joshing me…
    Clearwire is attempting to get its LTE feet under them and transition into a high performance TD-LTE network from its previous 4G WiMax attempt. This is seen as very good news to most. Now there are even rumors of a chance to host the new LTE iPhone that’s anticipated.
    Is it possible the next iPhone LTE could support Clearwire’s TD-LTE network? Clearwire CEO Eric Prusch told CNET that there would be no inherent difficulties for Apple to include support for its TD-LTE network in the iPhone 5 LTE. Prusch stopped short of saying whether he knew that the next iPhone would support running on Clearwire’s upcoming network. Of course Sprint and Apple have declined to comment.
    Sprint and Clearwire are collaborating to seamlessly integrate Sprint’s FD-LTE network with Clearwire’s TD-LTE network. There are several chipsets on the market that support both together, and more expected. This coming together in a new iPhone LTE product is now becoming more plausible.
     
    TD-LTE is gaining deployment momentum globally
    Clearwire isn’t going it alone this time with TD-LTE. They certainly weren’t the only WiMax adopters in the world, but in the American wireless industry they sure felt like odd ducks on their own. This time, Clearwire is working together with several TD-LTE carriers internationally in the GTI (Global TD-LTE Initiative). Most notably, China Mobile.
    China Mobile is rapidly building out its first 20,000 TD-LTE sites this year. China Mobile and Clearwire are working together to ensure interoperability between the networks. TD-LTE networks are also under way in India and Japan this year. More to follow.
    A majority of new LTE deployments slated to start in the next few years are TD-LTE networks like Clearwire. This is because much of the left-to-be-exploited spectrum globally tends to be higher unpaired frequencies, which TDD is designed for.
     
    Clearwire in turn gets to save Sprint, after Sprint saved it
    Sprint is deploying its own FD-LTE network nationwide on 1900MHz PCS spectrum and later adding 800MHz SMR spectrum. However, Sprint’s new LTE network will not provide enough capacity it will need for its customers when they start to migrate to LTE en masse in dense subscriber environments.
    Sprint needs Clearwire for additional LTE capacity. Some estimate that Sprint could feel the pinch on their new LTE networks in as soon as 12 months after initial deployment in dense urban areas. This makes use of Clearwire for additional LTE capacity crucial for Sprint in the long term in places where Sprint’s two native 5x5 FD-LTE carriers on 800MHz and 1900MHz start to suffer from reduced performance due to congestion.
     
    Retail model out, Wholesale to the future
    Clearwire started to transition away from a full retail model in 2011, as they started shuttering its stores nationwide. Clearwire continues to pare down its retail business strategy, choosing to only pursue an online presence for this category. They also recently started pulling back from its old generation Pre-WiMax Expedience network. Now only leaving a static WiMax network they have left to Ericsson to maintain until 2015 and the build out of their new TD-LTE network for their future.
    Clearwire’s future revenue generation is largely squared with a revised wholesale business model. Currently, that is almost solely dependent on Sprint. However, Clearwire wants to diversify its wholesale business model and take on several new customers. And it will take having its new LTE network up and running to do that on a large scale. The wholesale LTE business climate has definitely improved with the sudden demise of LightSquared. Many speculated whether the market could support two LTE wholesale companies.
     
    Looking for a LTE partner to do-si-do?
    Clearwire is aggressively seeking new LTE partnerships. They would likely partner with anyone needing a supplemental LTE network. At first thought, it may be easy to conclude that Clearwire would be a good fit as a LTE partner roaming for second tier and regional wireless carriers. These were LightSquared’s bread and butter. But LightSquared was looking to build a nationwide network on 1600MHz. Clearwire does not have those luxuries, it will neither be nationwide anytime soon, nor will its coverage even be comprehensive across any single market.
     
    Clearwire will not be a good fit for roaming deals, expanding 4G coverage nationally for smaller networks. However, Clearwire could be a good fit for those same wireless carriers in markets where they both are already co-located. For instance, let’s take San Francisco for example. MetroPCS has good coverage from its LTE network there. But Metro PCS has pretty low 4G speeds and low capacity. Clearwire is likely to deploy its TD-LTE network in a market like San Francisco early. So when Clearwire gets its SFO coverage well deployed, it will be on hundreds of sites around Frisco.
    The Clearwire coverage from these 100’s of sites will look like reverse swiss cheese, though. There will be a whole bunch of cheesy holes of LTE coverage all over. Each one of these Clearwire crop circles of LTE coverage will be blazing fast and support a lot of users with all the spectrum that Clearwire sits on. But in going from crop circle to crop circle, you need LTE in between them on the native network. So Clearwire will not be much help to those wireless carriers or MVNO’s who have no LTE network of their own to cover those notable gaps between Clearwire cells.
    Companies like MetroPCS would do very well in a Clearwire TD-LTE wholesale environment, where Clearwire was providing additional capacity in markets that Metro PCS already serves with their own LTE network. Clearwire would not be a good fit for a wireless company that has no LTE network at all. Because the customer would then constantly be going in and out of LTE coverage within a market. This will not create a positive customer environment.
     
    But wait, there is a catch!
    Another potential issue with a wireless carrier like MetroPCS partnering up with Clearwire, is how do they handle non-native areas? Should Metro PCS LTE customers only be allowed to use Clearwire TD-LTE in markets where there is a Metro PCS native LTE network? What if that SFO customer traveled to Seattle?
    MetroPCS does not have a native LTE network in Seattle. In this case, MetroPCS would have to decide whether to let their customers use the Clearwire TD-LTE in non-native LTE areas and have frustratingly spotty service, or to just block that Clearwire service ever from even being used. This is kind of an uncomfortable choice to make. The issues with smaller wireless companies using Clearwire for an out of market LTE roaming experience are starting to be highlighted and magnified with this instance.
     
    Yeah, there is a work around for that…Sprint
    One solution to the problems above is to set up a wholesale or roaming deal with Sprint and Clearwire together, or even a MVNO with both companies. Or better yet, Sprint earned the ability to wholesale Clearwire’s TD-LTE network in the past round of negotiations with Clearwire. So smaller carriers could just go straight to Sprint to negotiate a LTE wholesale, roaming or MVNO solution, and skip trying to set up two separate deals with each.
    These are possible comprehensive solutions for wireless carriers that are in pursuit of LTE wholesale options. The biggest challenge to this really becomes devices that will run not only on several Sprint and Clearwire LTE frequencies, but their own native networks too. And for some small wireless companies, this may even be an insurmountable obstacle for them.
     
    The best suited wholesale customers for Clearwire is the Big Dogs
    Clearwire is pretty well suited for additional capacity to 4G wireless carriers that already share markets with Clearwire nationwide. These are more likely to be Sprint’s direct competitors. AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
    Although this wouldn’t make Sprint very happy, Clearwire would be just fine and dandy supplementing Sprint’s competitiors with more 4G LTE capacity…if they can make money at it. They are not in the position to be to choicey at this time. (the typo is intentional)
     
    The engagement is back on, but a wedding date has not been scheduled
    The future for Clearwire is starting to look a little clearer and a little more optimistic. There are many forks in the road ahead, and there will be many dips and twists in the direction it heads toward. In the foreseeable future, Sprint and Clearwire will be well entwined. Sprint needs Clearwire’s spectrum for capacity to supplement their infant LTE network, and Clearwire needs Sprint to keep playing the sugar daddy.
    And probably just as Clearwire starts to get legs and starts earning enough revenue to support itself, Sprint will likely sweep in and buy out the rest of the company. To keep it from changing course and possibly damaging Sprint’s future…once again.
     
  18. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Tuesday, January 17, 2012 - 1:05 PM MST
     
    Clearwire has announced that they are beginning trials of their new upcoming TD-LTE network, in conjunction with their GTI (Global TD-LTE Initiative) partner, China Mobile. Clearwire will deploy their TD-LTE in Phoenix, Arizona and Herndon, Virginia. China Mobile will deploy theirs in Beijing and other Chinese communities.
     As part of the interoperability testing, devices from each others networks will be used to confirm compatibility. The goal of the GTI partnership is to create a device and network ecosystem in which TD-LTE deployed globally between 2.3GHz and 2.7GHz will be fully compatible. To allow for global LTE roaming capabilities and also create one large marketplace for manufacturers to develop chipsets and devices that will work on these frequencies.
    Also, a collaboration and creation of such a large LTE worldwide band will provide for the ability of these carriers to benefit from economies of scale. If all these carriers go it alone and try to get manufacturers to support just their small frequency set for their limited number of customers, the costs are much higher and also the number of devices available to them will be more limited. Creating such a large interoperable LTE band will be a significant advantage for carriers working in these frequency sets the world over.
    Clearwire beginning TD-LTE trials is deemed as quick progress given that Sprint just chipped in LTE funding for them in the past 30 days. Sprint will be utilizingClearwire’s TD-LTE network for additional LTE capacity. Sprint will be calling onClearwire to add additional TD-LTE carriers to its Network Vision towers as Sprint’s new LTE carriers start to reach capacity. Sprint’s LTE carriers will probably start filling up in dense markets as soon as 2013/2014. Sprint is not expected to release devices that support TD-LTE on Clearwire frequencies until 2013.
    Clearwire will be deploying its own TD-LTE as well, separate from additional capacity for Sprint. That deployment is expected to begin before the end of 2012. Clearwire has said in the past they will begin a TD-LTE rollout in existing WiMax cities first. However, they will not likely be rolling out TD-LTE to every WiMax market. Preferring to focus on key primary markets first.
    It is also anticipated that Clearwire will deploy its LTE in 20MHz TDD carriers. In early testing, this provided download speeds above 60MB, with some results over 90MB. It will be interesting if this kind of carrier deployment actually occurs, but would give Clearwire some potent bragging rights.
    Currently, Clearwire has WiMax on three carriers in most of the communities it serves. It’s believed that they will reduce the number of carriers to two or one in areas as they rollout TD-LTE. The remaining WiMax carriers will stay in operation through 2015. The final details regarding carrier deployment, carrier sizes, frequencies, etc. will likely not be cemented until after successful trails are completed in Phoenix, Herndon and China.
     

    Photo courtesy of PhoneDog.com
  19. S4GRU
    by Robert Herron
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Thursday, December 1, 2011 - 10:01 AM MST
     
    Hold the corn and pass the pork chops! Des Moines is back on the map!!! Clearwire rolled out several 4G Protection Sites for Sprint and Clear WiMax customers back in Spring 2011 in the Des Moines area. However, after only showing for just over a month, they disappeared off coverage maps. And haven't been seen since.
    The service continued to be live after it disappeared from coverage maps. And we changed the status of the towers to Phantom Protection Sites. However, today it was discovered that the coverage is back showing at clear.com/coverage.
    In the past few weeks it was reported to me that at least one of the towers was down in the Des Moines area. Hopefully, it's back up now. If anyone can confirm, sound off in the comments below.
     
  21. S4GRU
    Want your new iPhone 4S to run on WiMax? It's not too far of a stretch. It's already been done in Korea. Maybe Sprint will churn out something like this (and hopefully a lot smaller).
     
     
     
     
    Source: http://www.thegadgetguycolumn.com/review-the-egg-wimax-adaptor-for-iphone-4/
     
    Originally posted on S4GRU Facebook page on October 4, 2011
  22. S4GRU
    There are conspiracy theorists who still are holding on to hope that Sprint is going to announce on Friday an iPhone 5. I'm just flabbergasted trying to argue reason into these folks. Am I crazy for thinking that's so fantastical that it can't possibly happen? Maybe I'm just too jaded? I want to hear thoughts from our 500+ fans. Is this crazy? Or do you think this is plausible? Weigh in, now...
     
    Link to S4GRU Facebook comments (28)
  23. S4GRU
    Here is Part Two of the Chat Transcripts from today's 4G Strategy Update Conference. Click here for Part One. Thanks for those of you who joined in the chat. It's been removed from the wall to remove the "pollution." LOL
     
    It works in chat format, so it's backwards in time...
     
     
     
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    FARED ADIB: Most 2011 and all 2012 devices will support 800MHz CDMA voice
    Daves Williams No nexus s.... ? Jason Reuschlein Most except.. Nexus, Photon.. oh and that iPhone thing Daves Williams Then that only leaves the EVO 3D Joshua McDaniel Does that include the Evo Shift 4G? It is a 2011 device. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Photon uses 800...http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Mobile-Phones/ci.MOTOROLA-PHOTON-4G-US-EN.alt Sprint 4G Rollout Updates So does Samsung Epic Touch... http://www.samsung.c...710ZKASPR-specs Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Supposedly, Evo Shift has 800: http://www.phonearen...Shift-4G_id4979 Jason Reuschlein That isn't the ESMR band though. Compare the FCC docs (you can look them up on phonescoop.com) on the Photon vs. the EVO 3D for example. There are 2 800MHz bands on the 3D, 1 on the Photon Jason Reuschlein In fact, the 3D and other ESMR devices have a different PRL due to that fact  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    FARED ADIB: Sprint has received approval from 3GPPP to use and run LTE on 1900. First network to do it.
    Johnny Berti Is 1900 good? Danny Cooper Somebody needs to explain the difference between these frequencies... Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I will at the end, if no one else does  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    FARED ADIB: I will not be talking specifically about devices. So this is going to be disappointing...
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Generic speak about devices only. Snoozeville! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates FARED ADIB: We are very happy about getting the iPhone Danny Cooper About to bring out the iPhone 5! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates FARED ADIB: (Paraphrased) Our customers don't know jack about 4G Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Tell me about it Fared. We'd have to experience it to know it!!!! Jason Reuschlein ‎1X Advanced! Greg Rowland Yup, saw that too. Wonder if they'll announce when it'll actually be out in the wild? Sam DiPiazza Iphone.... Snoozeville is right Jeff Keyseear Wow, i guess that is how they will justify selling 4g devices that will never use 4g... "just tell the customer they need a better device to use it... they wont know any better!" Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Jeff - Expect WiMax device sales to instantly stagnate. Jason Reuschlein I thought even the original EVO supported 1X advanced? Sprint 4G Rollout Updates All 1xRTT are at least backwards compatible with 1xA. But that was surprising to me too.  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    ATTENTION NEW FANS! Wondering why there are so many posts popping up on your wall? We are live blogging the Sprint 4G Strategy Update Conference in New York, New York. This doesn't happen all the time. MORE LIVE BLOGGING AFTER THE BREAK!
    Eric Puddy So are they going to have a market lists that will be covered like other carriers? Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I hope so. Verizon posted a list of markets for the year, without dates. And then when a city gets within 30 days or so, they announced the specific cities dates. I want Sprint to do the same! Harold Achong Yea Eric, Tulsa Oklahoma was going to be the 1st market city. lol wishful thinking. Harold Achong Not yet, but hopeful. Joshua McDaniel Wow, Clearwire has taken a brutal beating today. Eric Puddy why didn't we just appoint more of the board and be done with it?  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    ‎20 Minute Break...wasn't that talk from the Network Vision partners a break??? LOL
    Rodney Greene What is this music? Jeeez! Greg Rowland ‎...lol, listen Rodney, hey can't be spending all sorts of cash after the massive cash dump to Apple, and their new, more aggressive rollout plan. Robert Kent Are they talking about phones yet? Greg Rowland ‎*all sorts of cash on music that is. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Robert...I think Devices are at the end of the agenda. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Rodney...sounds like a cheap casino cabaret fill in artist, eh? Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Greg...very true!!! Kendrick Allen was the cash dump to apple true? Barry Zeringue No mention of Rev. B yet, and I am very confident there won't be any at all. I love my Android phone I don't see the Iphone doing as well as they predict. Jason Robinson So not much gonna. Happen in till mid 2012 but what then we has to upgrade new device when LTE is active Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Kendrick...I think so. But still unconfirmed beyond the WSJ. Jason Robinson EVO 4g is or is gonna be waste now for me Sprint 4G Rollout Updates ILMAP...I don't know. Part of me wants it to for Sprints sake. Part of me is doubtful that it will the panacea everyone thinks. Jason Robinson Since Wimax is out for Rhodes that have evo 4g in no area of 4g is pretty much screwed over Daves Williams If there's a Rev b it wont be till IDEN is completely dead Daves Williams EVO4g was EOL not to long ago. Jason Robinson Sad day for me then Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I don't think we're going to hear Revision B uttered today, unless someone asks about it on Q&A. They are banking on LTE. And they will refarm EVDO spectrum for LTE over time. That's where they are going. Jason Robinson What about evdo a Sprint 4G Rollout Updates EVDO-A is getting better coverage and faster speeds. It will be on every Sprint tower with Network Vision. No more 1x data only towers...eventually. Jason Robinson So will EVO 4g see 4g LTE Jeff Keyseear Its weird that theyre going to be eol wimax devices currently being released (like the g2) less than a year after their release. Unless of course they will work on lte, which the device teardown should have revealed and did not (sigh) Chris Lenton people getting screwed out of their upgrades and having it pushed back to April 1, 2012 makes a bit more sense now. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Network Vision Corporate Partners: Alcatel/Lucent, Samsung and Ericsson on stage. Not much meat being discussed. Stay tuned...
    Brad Moses looks like samsung is doing iowa, hopefully they don't create networks like they do phones.... *shakes fist at my old transform* Sprint 4G Rollout Updates New Mexico is Ericsson. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I hope they don't say anything important here. I'm having a hard tiem paying attention. Need to run to my Keurig for more caffeine! Brad Moses and 20 minute break, go get that caffeine!!!!!!!!! Danny Cooper ‎20 minute break now... Jerald Whitaker ‎20 min break Richard Reyna San Diego is alcatel-lucent! I got to love it because they were the ones that set up Cox's "test" LTE network in San Diego. I hope they learned a thing or two so that deployment will be smooth. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates What did I ever do before I bought a Keurig? I love instanta coffee. Ahhh...now I'm better.  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    I will try to make Summary Narrative at the end. I will also be doing Q&A and responses to Users. Stay tuned.
    Michael Yim Did you capture the coverage map from earlier in the presentation?  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    BOB AZZI: There will be LTE markets in 2012 that currently do not have WiMax. ME: Phoenix, Detroit, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City San Diego, maybe?
    Richard McGee Hope so. Daves Williams New orleans I know...CITA 2012 is in new orleans in may Barry Zeringue New Orleans? Jason Russ Holy s**t!! Jason Robinson What about us herkimer ny Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Sorry I missed New Orleans in my hypothesis. Trying to think and type fast. Brian Jones still have to wait for Bakersfield Ca how SAD Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Nothing specific yet to markets, Brian. Stay tuned. Brian Jones ya im listening to it now still nothing Kendrick Allen ‎3G speeds are horrible in New Orleans right now! Kendrick Allen Oh, coupled with a very small 4G foot print! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Kendrick...true, true. Justin Cate Oh, the mention of Detroit was just a postulation? =( Brad Trimmer Hopefully Dayton/Springfield Ohio! Brad Moses cough*des moines*cough Ryan P. Burkhead Louisville! Brad Trimmer If the Lions win the Super Bowl and the Tigers win the world series. then they should be first. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Brad...I can support that thinking! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Justin...the second sentence was mine. Drawing conclusions. Daves Williams Lions wont win the Super Bowl.....Detroit can't have 2 champs in one year. Sports gods wont allow it. Brad Trimmer I'm a Bengals fan, I'm a dreamer...lol Steven Fernández Puerto Rico? Sam DiPiazza Huntsville, AL?!? Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I think San Juan will likely be in the first 120 markets. Sprint loves Puerto Rico...as do I! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates If they go in size order (which I am guessing they are), Huntsville would likely be beginning 2013 for LTE. I want more details, though! Jeff Wolfe We will see if it comes to Milwaukee in 2012. I won't hold my breath because they said wimax would be here Feb. 2011 & it's not. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    BOB AZZI: We used WiMax to get out to market early. But now don't worry, LTE is better. It's the next step. LTE is faster. Can get broader coverage in NV. Seamless 3G/4G handoff.
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates LTE is not faster, Bob. I'm sick of this tag line. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates The Network Vision 4G slide of New York is impressive. Jason Russ WOW!!! Jason Russ Bring on some more!!! Brad Moses he said "most advanced latest LTE" but he didn't say "LTE Advanced".... wonder which one it is Brad Moses also looks like they will be going to more new markets with LTE before going back to current wimax markets Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Yeah, the overlapping slide, says it all, huh? Eric Chan ‎@Brad Most likely Release 8 since that is what is currently deployed right now on verizon and att Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Eric - I'm with you. That's my guess. John Sorrenti I'm going shopping at the Verizon store I'm sick of sprints crap maybe even get a bionic  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    BOB AZZI: I'm going to get deep in your basement! (with deep penetrating 800MHz action) LOL
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Kind of creepy, Bob! Jason Russ Ya buddy!!!! Rai Diaz No comment..... Jason Robinson Wow what this mean Ryan Baughn Yikes.some of ua might like that...so keep it clean lmao Jason Russ Lower spectrum better penetration in buildings Sprint 4G Rollout Updates He said it, not me. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Maybe I paraphrased a tad little bit. >  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    ‎3G IMPROVEMENTS: Better signal coverage, faster data speeds, better in building penetrations, better coverage. 800 MHZ CDMA expansion
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Important to iPhone users...LOL Rob Hilton I'll believe it when it happens.. Danny Cooper Wow, that map is amazing. Merl Bonham When? Jason Russ Love it man love it!!! Carlten Green Columbia, South Carolina here....any chances its coming here soon? Jason Reuschlein FYI: the iPhone 4S does NOT support the 800MHz ESMR band! Jeremiah Wenzel Hope this effects my area as the 3g connections have been really crappy in many parts of my home town Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Jason Reuschlein...that is what is appears at the moment. The specs are very vague and say 800 CDMA, which is believed to be 850 Cellular for Verizon. If true, the deep basment penetration won't be happening for iPhone customers. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Carlten...Columbia's position in all this is still unknown. Stay tuned. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Merl...some things (like backhaul improvements) are starting to happen now. Other points will happen as Network Vision gets to your market in 2012 or 2013. Richard Owens ‎3G speds have definitely increased across GA. Albany, GA's 3G was down for the past 6 months. Tried it the other day and got 1.5 MBPS! You couldn't even use Sprint for data. It would always time out. I mainly forced roam all the time I was working down there so I could use Alltel or Verizon's 3G. John Sorrenti Yeah my 3g has been sucking too in Columbia SC.....after all I've heard today the big V looking good  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    REMINDER: During Live Blog of conference, wall posts by users are being blocked and removed.
    No comments.  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Sprint Direct Connect has virtually same performance for PTT that iDEN has.
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Getting really good feedback from beta customers. 4 hours ago · Sprint 4G Rollout Updates PTT on CDMA will go to 2.7M miles from 900k miles 4 hours ago · Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Square miles, that is 4 hours ago ·  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    BOB AZZI: Work on 22,000 towers already under way.
    Steven Fernández My bet is we don't see anything real till end of 2012. Danny Cooper Side note: Sprint stock is up almost 8.5% already this morning. Andy Robinson which ones?!? Abram Wenevermet Dennis ‎2015 Brad Moses and clearwires stock is dropping Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I bet it is. Sprint has written them off as a loss. Jason Russ Yes man!!! Danny Cooper Up almost 11% now... damn, should have bought some Monday Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Danny Day Trader?  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    BOB AZZI: 4G LTE will be on our own spectrum.
    Johnny Berti and 2 others like this. Daves Williams ‎4g LTE test calls? Daves Williams VoLTE? Enrique Evangelista V huuumm.....they field tested equipment, prototype sprint lte phone Cameron Spraguey locations for lte? Sprint 4G Rollout Updates No specific locations mentioned. However, it;s going with Network Vision deployment. Which we know starts with the 8 Largest Metros. But Sprint says it's going to 120 markets next year. That's darn fast for Sprint. Finally, something to measure by!  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Sprint trying to secure more spectrum for long term.
    ME: Maybe some 700-D block action?
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Sounds like a big middle finger for Clearwire!!! Jason Robinson Wow no Wimax then Rai Diaz More like 2 - One from Sprint and one from Lightsquared Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Rai...Clearwire's stock is taking a pummeling. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Sprint tried negotiating with them, but their terms were unreasonable having Sprint front everything for them. Looks like Sprint told them to pound sand.  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    STEVE ELFMAN: We are leaving T1 backhaul and going to fiber and microwave. Chosen site by site, depending on conditions.
    No Comments  
     
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    STEVE ELFMAN: We believe we can handle iPhone on our network. Offloading, more efficient devices. The iPhone is more efficient on the network. Continue our network investment and capacity. Especially through Network Vision.
    Steven Fernández I wonder that being more efficient means? Sounds like marketing speak. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates A little, probably. Some details of how wold be nice. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    WIMAX: You're out. Just got the boot! Will be supported. WiMax devices through June 2012. Then no more.
    Merl Bonham WOW!!!! Only until June? That's aggressive. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Will be supported for years. But don't expect anything meaningful new. Jason Malone So no more rollout of 4g or what? I mean wtf? Investors will be pissed. Brad Moses not looking good for REV B either Jason Malone I am pissed Richard Owens Works for me, lol. My contract with my Epic is up in June, just in time to get a LTE device! Danny Cooper I wonder what the Wifi offload technology will be? Jason Malone Well when I say 4g, I am referring to my 4G, WiMax... Steven Fernández No need to switch to sprint at this point. Jason Malone ‎@Richard Owens... Not good for me I just bought a new 4G Device... WoW!!!!!! Sam DiPiazza So, me and my evo are up the creek here in Huntsville? Nate Burger I guess so, like me and my Evo in Dayton, OH. I should have known I was being bullpooted when I signed up and they said 4G was coming to my area "really soon". Sigh. Richard Ruffner ‎@Nate I was surprised that Dayton never got 4g, since we got EVO rev b pretty quickly Joe Lienau Has there actually been a rollout of Wimax in any meaningful markets this year? I live in one of the most populated suburban areas in the country outside of NYC, and have nothing. Jason Malone RIDICULOUS! Justin Cate That is ridiculous... Having just bought an Evo 3D and finding out Detroit is up the creek without a paddle... Daves Williams THe thing is clear can is still roll out wimax if it wants, its just sprint doesn't care how they do it. They've moved on. John Sorrenti Hmmmmm evo3d thought it would continue on as a flagship......looks like it just sunk in places like Columbia SC  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    NETWORK VISION: Moved up to 24 months, from the previous discussed 3 to 5 years.
    No comments.  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    LTE DEPLOYMNET: It is going to be rapid. First markets Mid-2012. Largely complete by end of 2013.
    Enrique Evangelista V w00t! Andy Robinson By the time i am up for handset upgrade, LTE - MIGHT- be here!yea! Rai Diaz Sprint:120 markets in 6 months? Challenge accepted! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Lots for us to cover here, Rai! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates The Sprint 4G Rllout Updates page will be hopping with updates for the next 24 months...hopefully.  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    STEVE ELFMAN: 800 LTE, hopefully in the future!!!
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I guess they are waiting for the complete decommissioning of iDEN. Brad Moses looks like wimax and clearwire getting the boot, mentioned lightsquared and the 1600 spectrum they have Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Yes Yoda, I think you're right. Jason Robinson Yayy  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    STEVE ELFMAN: Network Vision breaks into 2 categories. Multi-mode towers, and multi-technology chipsets for devices
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates INtegrated chipsets! Brign 'em on!!! Barry Zeringue He mentioned LTE at 1.6 Lightsquared???  
     
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    STEVE ELFMAN: LTE is certianly what we're announcing here today...on our 1900 spectrum! No mention of 800!
    Rai Diaz LTE on 800 will be available in the future  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    DAN HESSE: We will be utilizing 800/1900 networks to the maximum of their ability.
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Details! I want details about 800 ESMR!!! Rai Diaz I would like to know as well Brad Moses LTE on 1900 spectrum Jason Reuschlein LTE on 1900!? Enrique Evangelista V ‎1900 LTE Daves Williams integrated device chipset  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    DAN HESSE: iDEN Network going away. But PTT is going to be a part of the new single network. Button pushers are going to be moved to a world class PTT network.
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates No new news here. Danny Cooper Did audio just go dead for anyone else? Mark H. Tyler For us HomeGamer's, what is iDEN and PTT, because I'm on 3g right now and it isn't clear to me what a world class PTT does. Mark H. Tyler ‎...although I am glad it is a world class PTT of course. Rai Diaz PTT is Push to Talk Mark H. Tyler thx for that! Merl Bonham PTT= Push To Talk Daves Williams sprint direct connect was launched sunday  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    DAN HESSE: Taking Sprint to the next level...the iPhone
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Yes, subsidies are higher on the iPhone. Rai Diaz I knew he was going to mention the iPhone in some way. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates The iPhone "will be the most profitable device" for Sprint. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates iPhone will contribute to our cash flow Danny Cooper iPhone = high profit. Means that Android phones do use more network capacity Brad Moses didn't know boost ran on iden O_O Brad Moses lol, utilize existing assets before going after others Sprint 4G Rollout Updates You mean they haven't been maximizing their existing network? LOL Donna Guffee Appleget Is there a recording of this somewhere?  
     
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Sorry folks...we are covering this. But Dan Hesse is rambling about brand. Stay tuned. I'm posting meaningful threads. I'm waiting for some meat!
    Danny Cooper Dan needs to watch some old Steve Jobs keynotes... this babbling is awful. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Exactly! Steve was convincing because he lived it. He knew every decision. He was directly apart of it. He loved it. It was his life. This is something else... Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I guess we have to remember he's talking to investors. Brad Moses well at least it shows they are improving with adding customers.... Devin Wilson Also remember this is an investor call. That said, i agree with you guys. Brian Jones where is the live feed that you are watching Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Listening...http://investors.sprint.com/GenPage.aspx?IID=4057219&GKP=1073745942 Brad Moses and here comes the iphone ? Jason Reuschlein Hesse admitted the iPhone is higher in initial cost  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    DAN HESSE: Sprint brand stands for simplicity and value!
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Simplicity costs less. Thus Network Vision. Enrique Evangelista V ‎*agree Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I'm here for the value. OTW, I'd go to Verizon. Steven Fernández I'm here for fast 4g. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Brand, brand, blah, blah. Let's talk about Network!!! Jason Reuschlein Gary Kelly smiles Sprint 4G Rollout Updates DAN HESSE: I like to over simplify. Well that sure explains a lot about Sprint's missteps! Eric Puddy sorry to bother, should there be video instead of just sound? Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Nope. Sprint isn't offering video, just audio. Their network can't handle it...yet. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates LOL Rai Diaz I see what you did there.  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Here we go!!!
    Danny Cooper No video? Boo! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates SEC disclaimer live! Too funny Jason Reuschlein Remember.. Actual results may vary. lol Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Dan Hesse coming on stage now... Rai Diaz No video? Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Detroit Tigers joke... Jason Reuschlein Go Brewers! btw  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    ‎2 Minute Warning...Get to your seats!!!
    Rai Diaz Got mine! Steven Fernández I can only find room in the back. Anthony Evans Jr Dan hesse has horrid jokes  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    THIS IS HOW IT'S GOING TO WORK...I will post highlights as new threads so people following along at work and on mobile devices do not have to keep scrolling through threads to find out what's going on. They can just hit refresh on the Main Page and get a list of what's going on.
     
    During the conference, user posts will be blocked/removed from the Wall. However, feel free to comment in the threads below the posts. 7 Minutes before the fun begins!!!
    Eric Puddy what site is the release on Ryan Baughn cant wait!!! just wanna know more about wimax!!! Brandon Gleaton Please keep us posted on ur page. I can't watch it live. I'm in class. Pleaseeeeeeee lol. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates We are. Stay tuned. Just 20 more minutes!
  24. S4GRU
    Here is Part One of the Chat Transcripts from today's 4G Strategy Update Conference. Click here for Part Two. Thanks for those of you who joined in the chat. It's been removed from the wall to remove the "pollution." LOL
     
    It works in chat format, so it's backwards in time...
     
     
     
     
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    I guess that questions threw them off! They ended rather abruptly!!!
    Michael Yim Yeah they did... Justin Cate So no discussion about Rev. B I take it? Garrett Furr That question from that woman just made their stock go down 26 cents! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I'm trying to get the slideshow to download so I can see the Revision B reference on it. I didn't hear anyone mention it verbally! Brad Moses nothing beyond "improvements to the 3G network" which could just be the backhaul upgrades and coverage expansion from network vision Jerald Whitaker Not today but more and more details will come out as the rollout starts Sprint 4G Rollout Updates All very vague. I wanted more questions!!! Brandon Gleaton So it looks like I'm stuck on slow 3g till the end of my contract. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates ‎3G is getting faster. EVDO-A speeds are all getting upgraded right now. Some people are already seeing improvements. Jason Robinson Wonder if my 3g got faster how would I know the differents Michael Yim Once we have the link to download the slide deck, can you please post it for us I'm having a heck of a time navigating the investor page on Sprints site. Jason Robinson Is it over with? Garrett Furr The Speedtest.net app hasnt worked on my EVO 3D in about 2 weeks. Anyone else having this problem? Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Jason - Download Speedtest.net app and check it out. It'll be one tower at a time upgrade though. May take awhile to get to Herkimer. But it may be soon. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Michael - will do! Jeff Keyseear Id say sprint has decided to let clearwire sink or swim without them. The absence of wimax interoperability on devices, however, tells us sprint doesnt forsee even utilizing its usage agreement... so theyre banking on failure. The lack of faith by its majority shareholder may in fact start a windstorm on wall street that brings clear to its knees very, very soon. Is that what sprint was after today? Maybe Sprint 4G Rollout Updates ‎"Presentation slides can be viewed with the Webcast and will be available for download from this site shortly after the conclusion of the event." I guess it's not shortly enough yet. Jerald Whitaker I'm sure there are not only asset benefits (spectrum) but tax benefits too if they let Clear die. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Jeff - that's the big surprise of the day, if anything. It's amlost the theme...Theme: WiMax out. We're hoeing our own row. Clearwire doomed. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Jerald...probably. They can write off the whole investment as a loss. They can spread that loss over several years on the books to take advantage of taxes. Jason Robinson We should had not want a deal with clear to start with Jason Robinson We just had not went or got involved with them Eric Puddy If Cear goes under they have to disperse the assets. If Sprint was smart I'm sure they arranged it in their favor? Or they coulc be bargaining for a better deal? Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Jason - it definitely seemed like the right move at the moment. In hind sight, you're right. Sprint should have kept their own 2500 spectrum, kept Xohm going. Now they could be deploying LTE on their spectrum and Clearwire would already be bankrupt without Sprint. They could gobble up their spectrum for dirt cheap. Hind sight is always 20/20 though, eh? Jason Robinson That time we could of saved our selfsame frustration Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Eric - Assuming Sprint is smart is never a good bet. But I hope they'll play out in this well. Eric Puddy True, not smart at all. They got a great IPhone 5 though. LOL Jason Robinson So I knew we jump right into our own spectum whitch we should of done the Frist place Jason Robinson So we contract with them what we gonna need them for now there failure to bankruptcy and blame that in sprint we should fall out of clear them to shove it Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Hmmm...I'm not sure I follow. Jason Robinson Yup save the 2500 is would of save sprint money Jason Robinson Never should got involved Jason Robinson That 2500 could of got iPhone 5 on this year Garrett Furr If you want to use Speedtest.net download an older version off of 4shared for now and sideload it. The newest version on the Market has issues.  
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    I missed the protection site discussion. DOH!!! Dang phone call!
    Brad Moses i didn't hear anything about protection sites Sprint 4G Rollout Updates There was a question at the end that I came late into about spectrum protection, FCC requirements, etc. But I didn't catch the question. I should have ignored my phone! What was I thinking? I guess I'll have to wait for transcripts. Jerald Whitaker You can replay the stream i think Sprint 4G Rollout Updates It will get reposted later today for listening. ·
     
     
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Q: You talk about Clearwire like their a partner instead of the fact you own them. You sound ridiculous!! Why would you let your company go bankrupt??? Answer to follow...
     
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Bad Verizon joke...Can you hear me now??? Barry Zeringue wow, that lady was passionate Brad Moses wow, that lady had some balls! Greg Rowland WOW That Lady is brutal. They made the Verizon joke, and she yelled "Not on your network." Sprint 4G Rollout Updates ANSWER: We care most about our shareholders! Clearwire stinks and has made us suffer. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates ‎"I don't think you know your facts!" ROFLMAO!!! Greg Rowland And now they're getting snippy, telling her she doesn't know her facts and that she's incorrect. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Now this is exciting!!! Michael Yim Undercover Clearwire Rep.... Greg Rowland ‎"I think we're finished." Ha Sprint 4G Rollout Updates DAN HESSE...always the calm head. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates DAN HESSE: We think their bankrputcy, if it occurred would be orderly and the FCC would be involved with transferring licenses, etc. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Michael - ROFL!!! Kendrick Allen transferring licenses, would that be to sprint? Jason Reuschlein Maybe they want them bust Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Kendrick - yes. That's what he's inferring. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Jason...the discussion with them have been so sour. I think Sprint has just completely given up on them. Clearwire wants Sprint to pay all their Network Vision costs if they join NV and they want Sprint to lend them the $900M they want to convert their network to LTE. They won't budge. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Q: Hey! I wanna get a better answer on Clearwire!
    A: Ask Clearwire. However, if CW goes bankrupt, we wanna be a part of the discussion. There has never been a wireless BK that involved subscribers being turned off.
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Dan basically said, hell no we are not bailing out Clearwire. They pissed me off. Sink or swim buddy!!! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates They need to come to our terms, and maybe we'll help them. Kendrick Allen clearwire stocks taking a major hit right now! Kendrick Allen could it be lower the price to buy them off! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Maybe Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Q: Lots of WiMax customers are going to be on your network. What are you going to do with them if Clearwire goes bankrupt.
    A: We don't know what's going to happen to Clearwire. But we have a contract. And we will continue to talk with them about a long term solution.
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates The rumors of the bad blood with Clearwire during spectrum negotiations must be as bad as purported. Jerald Whitaker Ya Dan was pissy in his response to that one. Can't blame him though really Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I was shocked about the tone of the response. They were mad. Greg Rowland Yeah...and the next guy just asked if they'd fund Clear...lol Brad Moses seriously, i think the people in the audience need to learn to listen, it doesn't matter how many different ways you ask it, the answer will be the same, so stop asking about clearwire and the iphone! >( Jerald Whitaker http://i485.photobuc...31375431474.jpg Harold Achong Cant wait for a response on this lady's question. Jason Reuschlein Clearwire down 27% trading Jon Gebarowski If you aren't in a clearwire serviced area with a Wimax device today... sucks to be you. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Jon...true. But Sprint will LTE to most folks faster than Clearwire ever would get WiMax to them. Even if someone gave CW money. CW once had $6B, and couldn't pull it off. Sprint only needs $10B to do Network Vision and LTE over the entire country in 24 months. CW is obviously very mismanaged. Chris Jones Whoa whoa whoa...They *claim* they will be able to carry out this conversion over the entire country in 24 months. Let's not count our eggs before they are hatched here. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates The conversion is happening with Network Vision. They have already contracted with three separate companies to deploy it. Although, past results creep into my mind, I am cautiously optimistic. Since the work is already contracted out, the only thing could stop it is if Sprint didn't pay their monthly invoices to Alcatel/Lucent, Ericsson and Samsung. Chris Jones I get that Sprint is kind of between a rock and a hard place here - either stick with a company that has proven it isn't efficient at deployment or switch to a new standard that won't really be in place for another year or two. It still feels kind of weird for Sprint to be pushing 4g devices based on wimax that don't really seem to have much of a future at the moment. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Agreed on that point. We can just sit back and watch WiMax device sales plummet. I think it will make the iPhone look more attractive too. Why invest in dying WiMax for a device. You might as well buy a 3G device if you need something now and ride it out to LTE. Or just wait for LTE all together. Or some folks will just leave Sprint. The more I digest today, this really isn't a good news conference all things considered. Brian Heiss The huge unanswered question is: How long will Sprint support WiMax devices like the Nexus S? Agreement with Clearwire ends 12/31/12; will the end of it mean that devices w/ get 4G via WiMax will essentially become 3G devices? Personally this announcement, while great in the long-term, is frustrating due to the termination of Sprint Premiere; as a 10+ year Sprint user the yearly upgrade was a great benefit given because of my loyalty to Sprint and, if Premiere Gold was not terminated this announcement wouldn't impact my (and thousands of other folks) decision because another yearly upgrade would occur prior to then end of the Clearwire/WiMax agreement. Chris Jones Yeah... I have been getting decreased 3g speeds lately on my ego shift and was kinda hoping for 4g to make it here. Now it looks like I will have to hope that sprint carries through on the 3g improvements. I do not consider the current speeds of 50-100 kbps that I'm getting to be acceptable. Chris Jones As I understand it, if you are in a 4g area right now and have a wimax device, great. If not, then you're very ly to ever see 4g on your device Doug Henning I didn't hear that they would drop WIMAX after 12/12... what I heard is they would no longer sell WIMAX phones... they would be selling LTE phones and TRI-MODE data devices.... they've come to the correct decision that WIMAX is not a good mobile 4G.... I live in WIMAX areas and get WIMAX connections that work for a while than drop out as I drive.. any connection is lost and then goes to 3G... I would hope the LTE-3G handoffs would be better... WIMAX is fine stationary... Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I think the big question on WiMax is how long Clearwire will be around to sustain it. If they around in 2013, I'm sure you'll still be able to use it. However, I know by 2013, I won't be rockin' a WiMax device anymore. By then, my Evo would be 2-1/2 years old. LOL Chris Jones I am glad that sprint seems to be moving towards the better standard but it still feels kind of frustrating that it took this long to find out that they needed to essentially hit the restart button. Brian Heiss I hope Sprint has a contingency plan if Clearwire goes under and a plethora of 4G WiMax customers are left 4G-less. I am eligible for my last Premiere Gold upgrade in a few weeks, would you guys suggest waiting for LTE or using it? (I was excited to use it before today's news...) Today's announcement helps me understand that LTE maybe more so than the iPhone was the reason for the termination of the Premiere program. The "New for You" program (horrible brand name by the way: screams used-car dealership or refurbished device) means everyone upgrades every 22 months: While this potentially will provide Sprint with an increased revenue stream in device sales by current customers who want the latest "must-have" device and pay full price rather than wait circa 2 yrs for upgrade. In the end Sprint is sending a clear message about how they value long-term Sprint customers. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I still think Sprint is just firing across Clearwire's bow. They want to send a message to Clearwire...agree to out terms. We are prepared to let you go bankrupt. See, we even took the heat by saying so publicly. Now get back to the negotiating table with reasonable terms!!! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates our terms...not out terms. Brian Heiss It is mind-boggling that such a large corporation wouldn't have a FAQ backgrounder to distribute at the event which would address the question of WiMax 4G support come 1/1/13 considering almost all of their current/upcoming 4G devices use WiMax and a ton customers who have gotten a Sprint 4G recently won't be eligible to upgrade prior to 1/1/13. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I know what you're saying. Sprint has gotten itself in a bad position, and they are taking what they think is the best approach to get them out in the long term. I can't defend it, though. Brian Heiss From a Public Relations standpoint these are the questions that are answered in a media kit distributed at the event and executives presenting are prepped to answer; especially because it impacts a ton of current customers and anyone that buys a 4G device before LTE devices are available on Sprint. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates All things considered, I thoguht the were more candid than normal. Especially about WiMax. Brian Heiss That is an insightful point regarding their candor; but failing to address and assure current and potential customers that their WiMax devices will provide them with 4G coverage for the duration of the customer's 2 year contact is a major issue and, if reported mainstream, would cause Sprint Android sales to dramatically drop and effectively push customers to the iPhone. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Brian - Agreed. They better hope it drives people to the iPhone, and not another carrier! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Q: If LS2 falls apart, how are you going to get the cash for more spectrum?
    A: Multi-modal capabilities.
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates So they think they have more partner opportunities beyond LightSquared. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Q: Are you dissing Android now that you are in bed with Apple? What gives?
    A: We love Apple. But, just because I have a new mistress doesn't mean I'm leaving my wife. She comes from a rich family!
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates OK...I took A LOT of ARTISTIC LICENSE with that one! Jason Reuschlein That was a really really dumb question Jerald Whitaker lol Jason Reuschlein Just like um AT&T dumped everything else after the iPhone, right? Abram Wenevermet Dennis A buggy family Sprint 4G Rollout Updates It was dumb! Basically, Sprint will carry everything it thinks it can sell. DUH! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates DAN HESSE: We are doing all of our long term planning without LightSquared. If LS2 comes on board, it's just even better! Joshua McDaniel likes this. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I'm glad to hear that. If they were counting on LS2, it could be disastrous. I think Sprint has learned their lesson with counting on partnerships after Clearwire. Jason Robinson Agree Brad Moses OMG someone ask about rev b already!!!!!! Joshua McDaniel I'm glad to hear this too. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Brad...that is the big question remaining at this point, huh? Jerald Whitaker These things are always about money and shareholder value more so than satisfying us dorks that fidget over technology acronyms. I'll say though this one has been more tech oriented than most I've sat through. Michael Yim I don't suppose we have anyone who can ask the questions on the inside at all... Didn't they have any way to have remote feedback incorporated? Brandon Gleaton So. If rev b comes will that improve current 3g speeds? Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Sprint investors tend to be a little more geeky than your average investor. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates ‎Michael Yim - not a s far as I know. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Q: LightSquared. Why don't you think you need them? Why don't you think you need Clearwire.
    A: We can go through 2014 on our own spectrum. Hopefully by 2015 we can join with LS2. However, because of Network Vision, we may have other opportunities to increase our spectrum. (Think DISH Network)
    Jerald Whitaker Or the upcoming TV freespace auction that the FCC is putting together Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Yup! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Q: Can Clearwire continue as a growing concern? What about the Evo customers? A: We will continue selling WiMax devices until June 2012. Clearwire is going to LTE too. You will have to ask Clearwire specifically about THEIR WiMax network. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates We have nothing to announce with Clearwire through 2012. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates And watch their stock sink even lower!!! Jerald Whitaker Dan Hesse just took a dump on Clearwire Richard Reyna The agreement for Sprint to use Clearwire's wimax lasts through 2012 also. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I can see Clearwire still coming on board. But it will be on Sprint's terms. They just told Clearwire, WE DONT NEED YOU!!! Richard Reyna Well in all fairness. Clearwire kind of said that to Sprint when they decided not to continue expanding wimax. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Very true, Richard! Brent David Clearwire's Stock just took a dive Sprint 4G Rollout Updates It's going to be a lot harder to raise money after Sprint's announcement, unless it was a sugar daddy like Dish Network saving them. But I don't think Dish wants 2500 spectrum. Eric Palmer As an EVO user who has yet to see 4G where I live, I feel screwed. Joshua McDaniel I feel screwed too, and now it'll cost a huge fortune to change to an iPhone. Shane Coulter This is bad news....... Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Shane...It's different news to every person depending on where they live, what their devices are, when are they upgrading and what their needs are. For some people, it's bad news. I'm still trying to digest it all. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    LTE is starting on the G Block of 1900. Will add more in 1900 later in other blocks as needed.
    Joshua McDaniel So much for decent LTE at first. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates It'll be much better performaing than WiMax. The speed will be equal or slightly better. But 1900 coverage and penetration is much better than 2500. Joshua McDaniel Not in my area it isn't. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates It takes a lot less towers at 1900. Makes deployment much faster. Eric Puddy I thought the ideal was in the 700 and 800 and 1200 penetration stunk? Joshua McDaniel I sure hope it will work better. The best signal I get in my house is 3 bars, but most of the time only 2 or 1. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates ‎1900 pentration is not as good as 700 or 800, definitely. But it's tremendously better than 2500. I go to a Sams Club in Santa Fe, NM right next to a WiMax tower. Full WiMax bars at the front door. 10 feet inside...nothing. That's 2500 for you. On 1900, full bars at the front door, walk inside, half bars. And it's totally usable. 90% of full speed. I'll take 1900 LTE over 2500 WiMax, if those are my only two choices. Joshua McDaniel If I could go back to at&t after this whole joke today, I would. But I'm stuck for the long haul I guess. And I like my free premium data thanks to my 25% service discount. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates In the long term, it's going to be fine. 18 to 24 months out, everyone will be happy, except Clearwire stockholders. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    INVESTOR QUESTIONS: Is the iPhone going to make us lots of money? Is it going to save Sprint???
    Jenna Frickin' Holmberg Ugh. I hate the iphone and am sick of hearing about it! -Jason Reuschlein And they basically didn't really answer Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Not even close to answering it, Jason. Jason Reuschlein So I wonder if they really did put a lot of $$ investment into the iPhone. I hope not as much as rumored Richard Reyna I ordered my iphone at 1:30 this morning! I'm so excited even if it did still set me back $471 after the $450 upgrade/discounts. Danny Cooper Ouch, the stock just dived. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Markets liked the basic talk, the details are disheartening. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    Q&A TIME!!! This is where I expect the meat!!!
    Greg Rowland If they comment on them... Celyn Szoke Just tell me speeds and connectivity will improve in SC Greg Rowland ‎...lol at the first guy up complains about the question process. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates They have in the past, where they can. Brad Moses omg enough about the iphone! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    We have lost 6 fans since the beginning of the conference and beginning live blog. I guess they can't handle all the posts over a short period of time. All these posts will be removed later and posted on a NOTE. Your wall won't be polluted forever.
     
    Nolan L. Harper I say keep the blog posts coming Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Just lost another fan. LOL OH well. Maybe they just switched to Verizon? Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    JOE EUTENEUER: Roaming reduction through additional geographic expansion/investment.
    ME: Yeah!!!
    Jerald Whitaker Also seeing blurbs on slides about "WiFi offload" as helping. I REALLY REALLY hope that means they're talking about VoIP service for phones like T-Mobile has. It's very nice. Joshua McDaniel Hopefully that means more towers for us rural users. Daves Williams it means wifi calling..... Barry Zeringue I wish some of us could ask Dan some questions right now Sprint 4G Rollout Updates They are expanding their network in NV. They've said it in the past. Largely focusing where they have the most roaming first. Joshua McDaniel As weak of a signal I have here, I roam a lot of the time, so hurry up Sprint. What was the release time for 800MHz CDMA again/ Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    JOE EUTENEUER: We are getting SOME subscriber momentum. We are heading back to where we were in 2006. Betting on iPhone for additional growth. Network Vision, core business and iPhone is where we are betting the farm.
    Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Paraphrased, of course. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    JOE EUTENEUER: Network Vision is about $10BN over next 2 years.
    ME: Heck, that's only half what you're spending on the iPhone!!!
    Chris Lenton zing! Franke Hernandez where are you watching all this Sprint 4G Rollout Updates http://investors.spr...&GKP=1073745942 Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    JOE EUTENEUER: We have been criticized for not spending enough on CapEX, but it's not true!!! We've been dumping all our money on Clearwire. That's capex too!
    Michael Yim They didn't even post T-Mobile as a competitor... hahaha! Jason Robinson Lol Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    JOE EUTENEUER: Regarding Clearwire, really, there is NO update. We will try to figure out what we can do with them in the future.
    Jerald Whitaker Feh! Liquidate the assets (excluding spectrum if possible) and use the cash to fund NV instead of bond issuance! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I like that line of thinking! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    JOE EUTENEUER: LightSquared. Held up, but not necessary for future.
    ME: It's just a cash cow!!! MOO!!!
    Jason Robinson There goes LS Jason Robinson There not gonna much work on it for future Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    JOE EUTENEUER: Sprint is counting on subscriber growth. Expect strong return on investment for Network Vision.
    No comments Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    REMINDER: During Live Blog of conference, wall posts by users are being blocked and removed. Sorry. Wall posting will return after conference.
    No comments Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    FARED ADIB: First LTE dual mode CDMA devices mid next year (2012). Tablets, Smartphones, expect it all!
    Eric Murine Only Wimax/LTE chips in hotspots.....grrr Greg Rowland I only see it as a problem (for me anyway) if they don't roll out LTE in exisiting WiMax markets. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Eric...agreed. Jason Robinson Why sale Wimax devices if Wimax is not gonna much be used Jason Robinson Waste of money Sprint 4G Rollout Updates They gotta sell something. But I agree! Jason Robinson Newbies arent gonna know any better an waste there upgrade on a Wimax device Jason Robinson What are they saying now or talking. About Danny Cooper It's like the suckers that are going to buy the iPhone 4, or even worse, the 3GS on AT&T. Kevin Sundby sprint better be providing free upgrades to LTE to us loyal customers. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Kevin...that won't happen. I think the best to be expecting is an upgrade at contract price for those still on contract when LTE devices come out. Sprint can't afford free devices. Kevin Sundby I am ok with that.... but I get an upgrade in January and do not want to wait until LTE devices start showing up.... Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Yeah, it sounds like the earliest for LTE devices at this point is Summer 2012. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    FARED ADIB: We are still going to dump WiMax on customers (even though it's dying)
    Jerald Whitaker CDMA/WiMax/LTE only on hotspot devices Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Yeah. It sounds like no WiMax/LTE smartphones. Probably a battery drain. Jeff Keyseear Did he use the word " dump"? Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    FARED ADIB: We're looking at HD Voice. Looking at LTE Advanced. We're dreaming big!!!
    Greg Rowland Which seems to mean that they won't be rolling out LTE Advanced right away. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Correct, Greg. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
    FARED ADIB: 1xAdvanced will be in 2012 devices. (I guess that no 2011 devices support 1xA).
    Kendrick Allen i maybe slow on this, but please explain 1xA? Sprint 4G Rollout Updates I will at the end, unless someone else wants to jump in... Jerald Whitaker It users spectrum more efficiently than current CDMA tech. So more users per channel per tower in each cell. Trisha Langford Sims Being able to offer voice over 800 MHz Daves Williams http://images.scribb...972ac66b91d.jpg rev. b Kendrick Allen thanks! Joshua McDaniel Whoa! Rev B?! Awesome! Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Did I miss something? I didn't hear Revision B. Joshua McDaniel It was printed on the picture linked above as well as 1xadvanced. Karl Zeyher ‎1xA allows simultaneous voice/data no? it also has faster data than standard 1x. more data = better voice quality. not sure what else it brings? Greg Rowland Right, the SoCs in the picture are capable of it, but it would need to be implemented on Sprint's end as well, so unfortunately, it's not the confirmation that we've all been hoping for. Sprint 4G Rollout Updates Really, Joshua. I missed that. I can't download and look at it until the end!! DOH!!!  
    Click here for Part Two...
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