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S4GRU

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    Network Vision Explained

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 18 November 2011

     

    So often I am asked about what is Network Vision. So now I am creating a sticky forum post where I can direct people. As of November 18, 2011, this is Network Vision explained from Sprint. This info is from:

    http://newsroom.spri...?presskit_id=19

     

     

    Sprint Network Vision Information Center

     

     

    Network Vision, originally announced in December 2010, is Sprint’s plan to consolidate multiple network technologies into one seamless network with the goal of increasing efficiency and enhancing network coverage, call quality and data speeds for customers across the United States.

     

    On Oct. 7, 2011, Sprint announced its plans to accelerate deployment of Network Vision and its plans to roll out 4G LTE on its 1.9 GHz licensed spectrum. Sprint expects the rapid deployment to reach 250 million people by the end of 2013.

     

     

    Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO

     

    “Our progress deploying Network Vision enables Sprint to extend and evolve our 4G leadership and to improve the experience for 3G customers. Our next-generation network and cutting-edge device lineup, combined with the industry’s best pricing plans, give Sprint customers the best experience in wireless.”

     

     

    Current vs. New cell site

     

     

    Today, Sprint uses separate equipment to deploy services on 800 MHz and 1.9 GHz spectrum. Through Network Vision Sprint will install new network equipment and software that brings together multiple spectrum bands, or airwaves, on a single, multimode base station. The new equipment makes it easy to accommodate additional spectrum bands.

     

     

    Base-station-images.jpg

     

     

    With Network Vision, Sprint will make substantial changes to the cell sites that power its wireless network. The top image shows Sprint’s existing base stations, which require single, refrigerator-sized cabinets for each technology. Large black coaxial cables must run from each cabinet to the top of the cell tower, which has an inherent loss of signal. The Network Vision multi-mode base station will require less space. Other advantages will include the ability for Sprint to use spectrum bands on multiple technologies, replacing coaxial cables with fiber that is not affected by signal loss and improved remote radio heads that replace existing less efficient radios.

     

     

    Multi-mode technology

     

     

    The implementation of multimode technology throughout the Sprint network will:

    • Enhance service
    • Create network flexibility
    • Reduce operating costs
    • Improve environmental sustainability

    Berge Ayvazian, Senior Consultant, Heavy Reading

     

    “This is a very bold move. Sprint was first with an all-digital wireless network; the first to upgrade to EVDO; and more recently, the first to broadly offer 4G services. Sprint is once again first to deploy a common converged mobile network that will strengthen its 3G services; enhance its 4G technology options; and continue delivering the industry’s leading push-to-talk offering.” -- December, 2010

     

    Network Vision Progress: The Network Vision plan, originally expected to take three to five years to execute, is now targeted for completion in three years. Sprint and its Network Vision partners, Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson and Samsung are executing detailed deployment plans, with deployment of 22,000 cell sites currently underway and many technical milestones achieved.

     

    Roll-out of LTE on 1.9 GHz spectrum:

     

     

    Sprint will extend its 4G leadership position in the U.S. by adding LTE technology to enhance its current 4G offerings, with plans to launch LTE on its existing 1.9 GHz spectrum by mid-year of 2012. Sprint expects its 4G coverage footprint to cover 250 million people when the build-out is completed by the end of 2013.

     

    Sprint Direct Connect:

     

     

    On October 2, Sprint launched Sprint Direct Connect, the next generation of push-to-talk service with broadband data capabilities. Operating on the CDMA network, we expect Sprint Direct Connect to give customers 3x greater coverage—from 900,000 square miles to approximately 2.7 million - a broader lineup of devices including smartphones, and all the benefits associated with broadband capabilities.

     

    3G Network Improvement:

     

     

    Sprint expects a significant improvement in customers’ 3G network experience, including expanded coverage, improved network reliability, better voice quality, and faster 3G data speeds. Based on forecasts of data demand, Sprint is confident its 3G network will meet customers’ growing data demands.

     

    Financial benefit to Sprint

    • Sprint expects the Network Vision plan to bring financial benefit to the company.
    • This is to come from reducing operating costs and also by avoiding future expenses as wireless data traffic continues to grow.
    • The total estimated incremental cost of the Network Vision program over the deployment period is between $4 billion and $5 billion.
    • Sprint estimates the total net financial benefit over a seven-year period will be between $10 billion and $11 billion.
    • Cost savings are expected to come from capital efficiencies, reducing energy costs, lowering roaming expenses, backhaul savings and the eventual reduction in the total number of cell sites.

    • Like 2

    Sprint NV handout

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 7 January 2012

     

    Unfortunately, Sprint now charges the $10 Premium Data fee on all smartphones, even just 3G only capable smartphones. So irregardless of 4G coverage, Sprint customers pay the fee. I know it's unpopular, but Sprint has needed those $10 fees. It's still an unprofitable company. It's not as if those fees went to line the company with fat profits. In reality, Sprint needs to charge $15 or $20 fees. But it knows it would no longer be competitive.

    Sprint NV handout

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 19 November 2011

     

    There is a little bit more updated from the investor meeting, but not much. I agree with you about developing something substantial for their customers and potential customers. And putting it on continuous loop in their retails stores would be a good move.

    What's your speed like RIGHT NOW?

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 11 January 2012

     

    Being up high in a building or on a hill or mountain can be positive for data speed or negative. Sometimes it raises the noise floor, experiences more interference or your device sees too many towers (especially in really urban environments). But it's usually fine until you get above 50' to 60' off the ground. Sounds good in your case!

    Upgraded 3g speeds all of the sudden

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 13 November 2011

     

     

    I have yet to see anything in my area upgraded, usually around .5 to 1mb

     

    I think most Sprint customers would be satisfied with those 3G speeds. That's similar to what we have here in rural Northern New Mexico. We have two towers that runs 500k to 1MB. All the others are 900k to 1.4MB.

     

     

     

    At my house i get about 300kbps down and 400kbps up on 3g... I live towards the east side of Knoxville TN, but when I go to do something on the west side of town i get 1.7mbps down and 700kbps up on 3g... What the heck is up with that?

     

    Hopefully, these stories of inconsistency will become a thing of the past after Network Vision.

    Upgraded 3g speeds all of the sudden

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 11 November 2011

     

    I've never gotten a 3G speed above 1.4MB ever here in New Mexico. EVDO-A maxes out at 3.1MB download. If you are getting above that, there is either something wrong with your speed test, or Sprint is really doing something stealth in Pittsburgh area. Sprint has denied Revision B several times publicly since October 7th. And I don't see any reason for them to lie about it. I would guess they would admit to it, or not answer the question. But it doesn't make sense for them to lie about it, especially with all the heat they have been getting lately from investors.

    Where would Nextel be today if they didn't merge with Sprint?

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 28 January 2012

     

     

    @AJ...Great points. Sprint was definitely better for Nextel than Nextel was for Sprint. I always wondered why Sprint didn't come out with iDEN/EVDO combinations within 6 to 9 months after the merger. My company had iDEN BlackBerrys back then. Everyone wanted a iDEN BlackBerry that could also run on 3G data. So eventually they migrated to non PTT BlackBerry to get 3G. Then those people split into iPhone or Android people.

    Oh...what could have been?

    Virgin Mobile to begin throttling data

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 19 January 2012

     

     

    It's kind of one of those things where if and when unlimited for Sprint post-paid smartphone users goes away, we will look back at this point and say, "see, the signs were there that it was coming."

     

    However, if were Sprint, I would probably make this move too. There is only so much network to go around. And post-paid smartphone data is the most important segment. So I would focus on that, and let everyone go to something tiers...whether throttled or capped.

     

    However, even after Network Vision, Sprint will not be able to offer unlimited to every segment...prepaid, MVNO's, roaming partners, tetherers, mobile broadband users. It just will never have the network resources or spectrum to pull that off on it's own. And its LTE deal with Clearwire is priced on a usage based model. At best we can get out of this is unlimited smartphone data for a few more years.

     

    And I think in 2012 they will start cracking down on excessive tetherers, too.

    IS IT THE ANDROID APP OR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE NETWORK ?

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 24 November 2011

     

    Some of those apps use compression and can stream at speeds as low as 28k. So it doesn't take much of a signal to keep those things going. I use TuneIn Radio alot myself. And many of the stations are configurable to where you can lower the streaming down from 128k, to 90k, 48k or even 28k. When I am going into a 1x area. I will change the settings down to 48k. There is a slight change in audio quality. But i Mostly listen to talk radio, so I don't care much.

    PRL Update

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 24 November 2011

     

    Yes. But if you are in an area where you roam often, like where I live, you can easily use 350MB of data roaming when you are on EVDO. Sprint doesn't care whether you roam on Alltel or Verizon or Us Cellular. If you keep using high amounts of roaming data, you will get the axe.

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