S4GRU

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 6 January 2012 @legion125...I was thinking the same thing when I read the plethora of articles that hit the waves the past few days how iPhone data is skyrocketing. I just kept remembering how Sprint, et al, were bragging up how much more efficient the iPhone was going to be on their network than Android. I guess they called that wrong. I sure hope they weren't banking future capex dollars on iPhone efficiency!

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 6 January 2012 Sprint did have to do some preliminary work as part of the LightSquared prepayment that was made last year. I guess those funds have been exhausted now. I'm not holding my breath for LightSquared.

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 22 January 2012 Thanks for the post. I keep telling people that in the shrt term the only aspect of LTE Advanced that consumers are going to benefit from is aggregated carriers. Too many folks believe that if a wireless co installs LTE Advanced as is on their existing networks, that their speeds are going to go up. And that's not going to happen.

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 25 January 2012 LOL!

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 23 January 2012 I hope Verizon is successful. I would love for a model of how to handle large events to be established for all wireless carriers to employ when necessary. Bring in the COWs. MOOO!!!

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 23 January 2012 Great post. I read about the Simplexity deal with Clearwire this morning, but I didn't know then that they were a LightSquared wholesale customer. If I was a company in need of a wholesale 4G solution, I'm not sure I would be excited about either company in the short term. LightSquared will probably build their network out nationwide quickly. So you will be able to get meaningful deployment nearly nationwide in 24 months. Something your customers will be able to use quickly and watch deploy fast. However, this all just potential, because, as we all know, LightSqaured can't get spectrum approvals and subsequently cannot raise the money it needs. A wonderful potential network. In contrast, an MVNO with Clearwire will get you a real network. They already have a WiMax network partially deployed, and they are definitely deploying a new 4G LTE network. However, the new network will likely be deployed slow. It also will not be nationwide. If it ever goes nationwide, it will take them 5+ years to do so. I think in 36 months, Clear's 4G LTE network will likely be fully deployed in less than 50 markets, and on thousands of Sprint towers as additional capacity (whcih in the best case scenario create thousands of little islands in markets where Clear hasn't fully deployed). So a wonderful, yet geographically limited network. You can't be excited about either of these two options. However, Sprint has said they will offer MVNO solutions to their 4G LTE network in the future. Also, as part of the deal Sprint made with Clearwire back in December, Sprint can wholesale deal Clearwire's LTE network. So a MVNO deal with Sprint that uses Sprint and Clearwire's 4G LTE seems to make the most sense as this time for companies needing wholesale 4G solutions.

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 25 January 2012 Although Phoenix has not been formally announced, that doesn't mean that Network Vision has not commenced there. Chicago wasn't one of the cities announced, but I have confirmed three times over that Samsung has already gotten underway there. I really feel in my gut that Phoenix is going to be one of the early cities. I would be cautiously optimistic that something is up based on your observations today. Possible testing of 800 1xA carriers is a possibility. I hope it is indeed the case. Keep us posted!

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 30 January 2012 Another Dish/AT&T article is on my To Do List. Thanks for getting the conversation started here in the forums!

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 2 February 2012 I read the source article yesterday. It's a great resource for me to send people to regarding LTE Advanced.

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 23 January 2012 When I think of what WiMax could have been, I get very sad. WiMax2 is ready to market now. Whereas LTE Advanced won't be ready for another 18 months. The world loves standardization, though. And we will all benefit from having one mobile broadband technology in the future. In the next 6 to 7 years, all the carriers will have an exclusive or near exclusive LTE network for voice and data. Consumers will win with that in the long run. More device choices and probably carrier choices and interoperability. But I'm still sad for WiMax.

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 23 January 2012 I love it! I'll take two!

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 17 January 2012 Interesting. At least with a time frame of weeks, we will know in short order if they are accurate or not. However, if they were only weeks out before releasing them or announcing them, they probably could have told us release dates last week at CES. They announced the original Evo months in advance. Heck, they even announced the Kyocera Echo two months in advance.

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 12 January 2012 After this period of new device inactivity the next few months awaiting LTE devices, I think Sprint is going to try hard to stay on the cutting edge with new devices. I think it's going to be apart of their future strategy. Sprint is looking up! They are playing all their cards right...finally. I hope they keep it up.

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 9 January 2012 If you can beat the official release, and other ICS releases, you will have the world beating down your door. Good luck, and keep us posted!

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 5 January 2012 Count me as jealous. I'm really looking forward to CM9 on my Epic 4G Touch.

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 22 November 2011 Looks like January. But I don't know if January will be the stable build, and maybe there will be some preliminary releases before that. However, I wonder how well it's going to run on older premium smartphones and newer midrange smartphones as it is double the size and requires double the memory.

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 15 November 2011 When it comes to Sprint Samsung devices, you better like them as they are out of the box. Because it's going to be exactly the same for a long time. Part of me wonders, when it comes to Samsung and ICS, if they will even bother going back and developing anything for previous devices. Or just start introducing it on new devices.

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 15 November 2011 That's one big advantage of having a Nexus phone, is you will get the Android updates faster than anyone else. As for ICS and WiMax, Cyanogen will probably build versions of it's CM9 to include WiMax devices. They have a huge Sprint Fan Boy following. I remember reading somewhere once that Sprint WiMax devices account for more than half of their downloads. They may even start with WiMax devices for ICS. But I haven't seen anything from them on it, except to say they are already under way on ICS/CM9.

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 15 November 2011 Article: http://www.slashgear...vices-15195342/ Yesterday, Android release Ice Cream Sandwich source code and developers are already jumping on it. Are you interested in getting Android 4.0 ICS? How are you going to get the first taste? You going to put it on your device with the very first ROM that hits the internet? Waiting for a stable build? Waiting for a specific developer, like Cyanogen? Going to buy a new device with ICS? Do you not care about upgrading at all? Sound off below!

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. 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.

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.

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.

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 16 November 2011 This is a great post. I will have to sticky this one. Thanks for sharing!!!

Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 1 February 2012 Roberto...I've only had one 3G tower ever with performance like that. It was in Albuquerque, New Mexico. And that one tower consistently puts out 1.8MB to 2.2MB download times. However, the rest of the city is around 100k. LOL BTW, thanks for joining S4GRU. Welcome! -Robert, S4GRU

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!