S4GRU

You probably didn't see my response to AJ (above) when you posted this. Sprint can support almost the same number of customers of Verizon if they need to do in dense urban areas because Sprint has a much denser LTE site deployment. Even though a Sprint LTE carrier has half the capacity of a Verizon LTE carrier, there are more Sprint LTE sites covering the same geographic area. Currently, as Verizon is deploying their 700MHz LTE network, they are deploying it with the number of sites it takes to provide seamless 700MHz coverage. Density is pretty thin at 700MHz. Verizon is not putting 700 LTE on every one of their PCS sites. So in a generic city, Verizon would have 100 700LTE sites. However, Sprint is deploying their LTE nationwide on every 1900 site. 1900 cells are considerably smaller than 700. So in that same city, Sprint would deploy approx 300 1900 LTE sites. Each Sprint site might serve 100 customers, whereas each Verizon site might serve 200 customers. So over that city, Sprint could serve 30,000 LTE customers, whereas Verizon could only serve 20,000 LTE customers before adding additional carriers. Verizon is just now making its 700MHz denser in some markets to build capacity. They will take this as far out as they can before they start adding AWS LTE carriers. This cell density is a real thing. And this is yet another advantage Sprint has in its LTE capacity. Sprint will be building it a much higher capacity than they need in the beginning because of this. Robert

This is only one comparison given over many that I have provided why Sprint's LTE plan is completely viable for the future. I never stated that I knew what Sprint's adoption rate will be. I only used it as a starting benchmark. The fact is that Sprint's LTE plans are equal or better than Verizon in almost every comparable aspect when it comes to plans for additional capacity. I don't want to stop anyone from going somewhere else. If any of you would prefer to bet on someone else's network, be my guest. We all are betting on the next 24 months whenever we sign a contract with any carrier. However, I'm just making the point that Sprint only needs to bridge LTE to next summer. And there is more than an ample plan to get there. Once Sprint starts using 800MHz and Clearwire LTE for additional capacity (and the devices are out that run on it), the sky is the limit for Sprint LTE. Sprint will be in a better position at that time than ANY other carrier in America when it comes to being able to add LTE capacity. And Sprint's plans are more than adequate and sound to get there. Irregardless of the naysayers. Robert

This is a great point, that I didn't even take into consideration in my explanations. Sprint's LTE is based on 1900 PCS, which they are deploying in much smaller cells than VZW is with their 700 LTE. So in urban areas, Sprint will actually have more user capacity than Verizon will, one carrier deployment versus one carrier deployment. If Sprint is having LTE troubles, so will Verizon. Because their capacity will be similar. Robert

Even if they have double the adoption rate of Verizon, they still will not have issues with their current LTE capacity plans. If they have triple the adoption rate (which is hard to fathom), then they will have issues at their top 5% of sites for a few months next summer. But that's it. That's how sound Sprint's plans are. If Sprint's customers adopt LTE at a higher rate than VZW customers, it will likely be around 50% higher, not 100% to 200% higher. This is not something I'm going to lose sleep over. But I do believe you're right. The adoption rate should be higher. Just because of the state of EVDO alone will drive more people to LTE. Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

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In reality, microwave backhaul is most often limited where it connects to the internet, not in the microwave links themselves. In most instances, where microwave is connected to the internet, it is a fiber connection. However, it may possibly be an AAV connection. Also, not all fiber connections are equal. I am not able to completly answer your question, as there are too many variables to come up with a comprehensive response. I just know that even with microwave backhaul vendors, they have minimum performance standards. I believe that scalability is included in all the contract requirements based on the things I have read. Sprint is smart not to get itself in a corner with future backhaul needs at these sites its adding backhaul at now. When and if they need more, it should be a simple request from the backhaul vendor for more. The contract probably spells out 45 day or 90 day response time to the request. And now with the much improved network monitoring, Sprint should be able to keep way ahead of the backhaul curve. But I also believe the initial backhaul is enough to service several loaded LTE carriers. As Sprint was planning LTE 1900, LTE 800 and two LS LTE carriers when it was planning Network Vision. Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

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Things are going very well, all things considered. Sprint is reworking its entire network from top to bottom. There are going to be pains and a learning curve. There is no reason to conclude that the completion date at the end of Network Vision is in jeopardy at this time. One of the things about a site like S4GRU is that it gives so much detail that myopically it can appear that there are more problems or worse problems than there really is. This kind of upgrade has never been done before on this scale ever. It is a huge logistical feat. And we can expect more issues to arise. And we get to follow along and see how Sprint works through the issues. One thing about a schedule slow down is it allows Sprint to spend money slower than the cash projections called for. Which in turn allows them to accelerate later Network Vision deployment. So, these up front hiccups will likely have no net effect on the final completion. Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

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I'm not certain why. The NV schedule doesn't show reasons, just dates. And in many of the early work markets it shows a disparity between 3G on air dates and 4G on air dates. One before the other by 30 to 90 days. By summer end, most sites the difference between 3G and 4G on air dates is 5 to 10 days. If I were left to speculate, it is likely due to equipment deliveries, backhaul, switches/4G cores being ready or combinations thereof. But I have not seen or heard officially. In the case of Boston, I now know that their 4G core will not be ready until May 18th. So even if all the Boston sites had everything else ready for LTE, the earliest LTE could start to go live is the 18th. I also know that only approx half the Chicago sites that have NV upgrades complete have their backhaul in place. These half can't run LTE now until their backhaul arrives in the next 30 to 90 days. In the Ericsson markets, they aren't turning NV 3G on at all. Why? Don't know. Obviously new backhaul isn't an issue there, because the LTE wouldn't be live. Maybe Ericsson is getting the 3G switches upgraded? Maybe Ericsson EVDO equipment is backordered? I don't know. What I do know is Sprint and their OEM's have known this for a long time that this disparity was going to happen because the live dates between 3G and 4G have been different on the schedule in early markets since the first day I received it. Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

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According to the NV schedule, 3G is not live yet at any of the Network Vision sites in the Atlanta/Athens market. Only LTE so far. Same with Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Kansas markets. In most other NV markets, it is the other way around. 3G is live, but 4G is not yet. Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

I typically get 9-10Mbps stationary at the Santa Fe WiMax Protection Site, and 6-7Mbps at the same location moving 65 mph. Robert - Posted from my E4GT with ICS using Forum Runner

I work in construction management and LO-e glass (and worse is LO-e Squared glass) are horrible for RF transferrence. However, these are only used in high end commercial buildings and estate homes. Here in New Mexico, we have a lot of adobe homes. Adobe homes are RF absorbing clay brick that's covered in "chicken wire" under a stucco base coat and finish coat. If the clay and Portland cement weren't enough, then the Faraday cages created by the lath wire does it in. I have been in adobes 500' from a tower and get no signal indoors. Robert - Posted from my E4GT with ICS using Forum Runner

Sprint LTE speeds are highly dependent on signal strength. Strong signal on a normal burdened carrier will get you 20Mbps speeds on average. Sometimes even the high 20's. Moderate signals will get you in the 8 to 12Mbps range. Weak signals will still get 3 to 5Mbps. Not too shabby. Sprint is planning to advertise their LTE as 5 to 8Mbps to allow for normal traffic loads and varying signal strengths. Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

There are some isolated issues with EVDO backhaul connection. If the enhanced backhaul is in place at the site and ready to go when the site is converted to NV, the EVDO gets connected to the new backhaul. If the new backhaul is not ready at that time, then they temporarily connect it to legacy backhaul. They will then connect it to the new backhaul on the next truck roll. Most likely when LTE is brought live at the site. Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

Don't get me wrong, I like the guys at goodandevo. They are just reporting what their sources are telling them. And since the chorus is singing May 18th, why would they doubt a source that says the 18th? When I received my first tip of the 18th a few weeks ago, I asked the source for documents or a photo or something to corroborate. He wouldn't provide any. Just his word. So I chose not to report the 18th. Then, within a few days, it hits the tech media all over about the 18th, all without referencing documents. I assume it's the same source who approached me. So this is another reason I am skeptical. We only report on official documents. Since I have seen docs dated 4/20 that say 6/10 launch, I personally trust this more than heresay about the 18th. I am sure that since S4GRU only reports on documents, we may miss a legitimate verbal scoop here and there, but it saves us from a lot of credibility issues and having to issue retractions. But back to goodandevo, they were approached with legitimate pics from a source who verbally says the 18th. Why would they doubt that source? I don't blame them for running it. It only makes sense to doubt it when seen in context with what I have seen, which they have not. Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

I started on a reply right away, but ate breakfast with my family and answered a phone call. So it took me over 30 minutes to finish the reply. Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

The lab report I reported from was dated April 21st. As of the 21st, it was scheduled for June 10th and it mentioned lab issues with LTE connectivity. I guess it's possible they worked out the issues this week and can get it out by May 18th. However, I'm skeptical. The device was never scheduled to even leave Sprint labs until May 7th, even before connectivity issues arrived last week. If the device exits labs on the 7th and starts to be delivered to stores on the 10th, it will be the fastest any Sprint device has ever left labs and found its way into customer hands. It usually takes 3 to 5 weeks from lab exit until launch. The GNex left labs on March 25th, they tried for April15th launch and couldn't hit that even and had to settle on the 22nd. You can see why I'm skeptical with the 18th. I should get a lab update in the next week or so. And when I do, they will definitely reflect an accelerated launch date, if there is one. Has anyone seen a launch date with any of these store marketing materials, yet? I haven't seen one yet. I've seen several pics, with only verbal references to a date. With the GNex, the pics included dates in some instances. Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

Now these are believable screen shots because the upload speeds are realistic. Some of the speedtests out there of Sprint LTE have upload speeds that exceed even the best lab/FIT speeds, which make them suspect. Thanks DanielHolt for the info. Very exciting. Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner