irev210

T-Mobile has no plans to roll out nationwide 4G LTE only has plans for top 50 markets. Also they will only be 5x5 configuration because most spectrum is being devoted to HSPA+42 and HSPA+84 which have speeds equivalent to 4G LTE. I personally believe T-Mobile should just role out HSPA+42 and HSPA+84 which will actually be faster then ATT and Verizon's 4G LTE Netowrk because T-Mobile has less customers and we have already seen in comparisons between HSPA+42 on T-Mobile and ATT's 4G LTE are almost equivalent in speeds.

T-Mobile just announced that they just contracted with Ericsson and Nokia Siemens to upgrade all 37,000 sites with LTE Rel 10.

The contracts cover LTE network installation at 37,000 cell sites as part of a two-year, $4 billion network modernization plan designed by T-Mobile parent Deutsche Telekom AG (DTE), which has said it will fund the work with cash flow from Bellevue, Washington-based T-Mobile. The contracts end in 2013.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-08/nokia-siemens-ericsson-win-t-mobile-lte-u-s-contract.html

Thanks. I looked at the user manual there, and I didn't see any mention of a second microphone for noise cancelling purposes. Other previews have said that it does exist (as it does on the One X). I wonder if they didn't include this or if they just don't mention these things in user manuals.

It's included - just not mentioned. When Sprint was demoing the HD Voice feature to journalists, they made it a point to also demo the noise canceling feature on the EVO 4G LTE.

It looks to me like they pulled the trigger on the 18th with the LTE Connectivity issue still out there. Probably an OTA will be coming out soon. It may even prompt us to do the OTA at activation.

 

Robert - Posted from my E4GT with ICS using Forum Runner

Another heads up:

http://insidesprintnow.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/confirmed-htc-evo-4g-lte-launches-51812/

No, the same exact page for the Galaxy Nexus makes no references to provisioning issues. And the few confirmed reports we have from members that have used the GNex on Sprint LTE have not had issues either.

 

Robert

Ok, glad to hear.

Supposedly, the FD02 update that Sprint pushed out a few days ago was supposed to squash the provisioning issue, but that doesn't appear to be the case.

Galaxy Nexus Software Update - IMM76D.L700FD02

Enhancements/Fixes:

- Device not connecting to data services after activation

- Device not displaying correct network time after activation

- Google Wallet Update

In any case, I am glad that they are completely separate issues.

I have written a detailed response after talking with the source, who has agreed to for me to release some documents. http://s4gru.com/ind...on-as-may-15th/

 

Robert

Have you seen any reports on the Galaxy Nexus having a similar issue with provisioning?

Starting to wonder if both phones are suffering from the same issue.

It looks to me like they pulled the trigger on the 18th with the LTE Connectivity issue still out there. Probably an OTA will be coming out soon. It may even prompt us to do the OTA at activation.

 

Robert - Posted from my E4GT with ICS using Forum Runner

Makes me a bit nervous. I am having issues with two different galaxy nexus on two different sprint accounts with random data disconnects.

Even after the most recent update, I've had to reprovision my phone twice today.

Hopefully they will get the OTA out asap.

Just preordered my EVO 4G LTE. Sort of interesting we see the pre-order "expires" on may 17th.

About this device: Offer expires May 17, 2012 or while supplies last. Requires 0 month contract and new activation. Up to $350 early termination fee/line applies (no ETF for Agreements cancelled in compliance with Sprint's Return Policy). Subject to credit approval. A new phone activation fee of up to $36 per line may apply. Sprint reserves the right to cancel/extend offers without notice. Offers may not be available in all markets. Other conditions may apply. Read service agreement for details. The Nationwide Sprint & Nextel National Networks reach over 277 & 278 million people, respectively. You may return your undamaged device within 14 days of activation to your original place of purchase (with your receipt) and request that we deactivate services. We'll refund your activation fee (if service is canceled within 3 days of activation) and waive your early termination fee (as long as the device is returned). You are responsible for all charges based on actual usage (partial monthly service charges, Sprint surcharges, taxes and fees). A $35 restocking fee will be charged (at time of exchange) to exchange a device for a different model or color (except in Hawaii). The $35 restocking fee will also be charged when you return an upgraded device. Visit Sprint.com/returns for details (return policy for existing customers may vary). For any devices or accessories purchased through a Buy one, get one offers (BOGO) offer, all devices or accessories purchased must be returned/exchanged to receive a refund or comparable exchange. In addition, if a Buy One, Get One Free device is exchanged, it is subject to the $35 restocking fee terms.

If it isn't a big difference, WHY DO IT? This is what spurs the whole fragmentation arguement. Instead of simply making the next release of Android OS work for the hardware components, the OEMs have to make their bloat work over the new Android OS. This is why there isn't a single CDMA phone running a skinned version of Android that has been upgraded to ICS without using a custom ROM. This is the biggest reason for people preferring a AOSP build to go with a Nexus device. Granted, the hardware components are currently 6 months more advanced than what was used to build the Nexus, and given the way technology is growing at an exponential rate, it is a big improvement, but if you are always waiting for technology, you will be waiting a long time. Sooner or later, you need to hop on the train.

 

Now, to put on my moderator hat,

 

This thread has CLEARLY gone from "name the strongpoints of the Nexus and LTE EVO" into "bash the phone model that you aren't in favor of" and if it doesn't go back to that, it will be closed.

The reason why they do it is to try to "differentiate" between the various OEMs. No OEM wants their software to look EXACTLY like another OEM. It's gimmicky, but it's android politics more than anything. Look at how much Samsung is trying to sell the software on the GS3. Gimmicky? Yes. A HUGE marketing push? Absolutely.

I think you are missing the mark on fragmentation. Fragmentation is the result of using different chipsets - not really the software. Why do you think Microsoft set very strict requirements on OEMs ONLY being able to use Qualcomm?

Notice that each pure-google device has been launched with a different SoC partner? First, Qualcomm, second Samsung, third Nvidia, fourth, TI. Over the years, Google and its OEMs have built a really large software base to work with different OEMs that are out there.

If you think stating the obvious that the GNEX uses outdated hardware is bashing... I don't know what to tell you. The radios used in the GNEX are essentially the same radios that are used in the Samsung Droid Charge which is over a year old. The dual-core SoC is good, but again, it's last gen. There is nothing wrong with last gen, but to try and argue that it is not... well that's just silly!

The title of the thread is Nexus or Evo LTE?

Update advantage? With Sprint and Verizon - nobody knows exactly how long between updates. It's safe to assume that there will be a few months of lag between the pure google phone and the EVO 4G LTE. Using the Nexus S 4G as an example... there will likely be around a two month lag.

Galaxy Nexus Advantages:

• Removable battery
  
• SAMOLED display (could be a con if you don't like pentile)
  
• Easy to unlock/root (if you are interested in that function)
  
• stock android (if you like stock android)
  
• Faster updates
  
• Good sound quality (using earphones)
  

Galaxy Nexus Disadvantages:

• Old hardware which is slower (yes, get over it, it's outdated).
  
• Higher power consumption/lower battery life
  
• So-so camera.
  

EVO 4G LTE Advantages:

• latest and greatest 28nm qualcomm snapdragon
  
• Excellent camera
  
• "Infinity" LCD display
  
• Good battery life as a result of new 28nm SoC
  
• Kickstand/dedicated camera button
  

EVO 4G LTE Disadvantages:

• Locked bootloader
  
• Software updates lag google phone
  
• Sense software (if you don't like sense)
  
• Battery is non-removable
  

For the record - I am currently using a Galaxy Nexus.

Software is always going to be subjective (bashing is to be expected). Hardware, that's easily quantifiable - easily objective (the numbers speak for themselves).

I think a lot of people get worked up about stock ICS vs. sense or touchwiz.

The overlay animations weren't very smooth and nobody really liked them. Nowadays, you get a different unlock screen, a different home screen, camera interface, some other small differences, and a different app drawer screen (along with some different widgets).

It's not exactly a HUGE difference and nowadays they actually scroll smoothly.

When people talk about "last year's model" they really should be saying "last gen". Having a TI OMAP SoC, a Samsung LTE baseband, and a VIA CDMA baseband is a horrible way to do things. We are also talking about a huge jump in process improvement, going from 45nm (or even 65nm - GPS is 65nm, not sure about the VIA CDMA baseband), down to 28nm on a single package is going to reduce power significantly.

Don't get me wrong, the Gnex is a really nice phone... but the EVO will probably be much better.

When I say most sites, I mean 99.9% or so. There will be approx 100 sites out of 38,000 that will not get LTE because Sprint cannot get backhaul to serve the sites. These are typically in very remote and unusual spots. Like isolated desert canyons, etc. Sprint will not set up repetitive MW links for 30 miles to pick up an isolated tower in a remote location. Its just not worth the expense in those situations.

 

And you're right about 'who knows' over time. And if you would have said 'who knows' how Sprint will handle their future network over time, I wouldn't have responded. And who knows how AT&T, VZW, Tmo will respond over time? And this time around, Sprint has solid plans for additional LTE capacity. If anything, I would be more nervous to be an ATT customer for the long term. They have the weakest long term capacity plans and keep crying they are running out of spectrum.

 

Sprint will likely grow in the long term. Some time after profitability returns. They do not have the funds to add new coverage areas at this time. They are just going to be able to fund Network Vision at this time.

 

Robert via Kindle Fire using Forum Runner

Couldn't agree more. AT&T's long-term capacity plan was T-Mobile's AWS. Now that that's gone... their next show is Dish's S-band.

While it will never happen, nothing would make me happier than to see AT&T roam on clearwire.

Exactly. The EVO LTE is equal or superior to its brother it morphed from. In this case, it was good.

 

I hope that the Sprint version of the GSIII is equal or superior in every way to the original. Anyone want to guess a name yet? Epic LTE TouchMe?

 

Robert via Kindle Fire using Forum Runner

You mean the Samsung Galaxy S III Epic 4G LTE Touch 2?

That was a sloppy piece of journalism on Phonearena's part. They got it wrong, very wrong. If you go to their source at the bottom of the article (Reuters), here's the actual statement: Sprint, which started taking iPhone orders on October 7, said it would pay Apple a subsidy that is 40 percent higher, or $200 more per device, than what it pays for other phones.

 

http://www.reuters.c...F+Technology%29

 

So Sprint pays 40% more for the iPhone than what they pay for comparable HTC, Samsung, Motorola, LG, etc. devices. They don't pay 40% more in subsidy than what Verizon or at&t pays. Phonearena should really be A LOT more careful in their reporting.

Thanks for clarifying. This is correct. I'll get some iPhone numbers next week so people have a little more reference material

Well, we do know that the original ATT contract was beautifully draconian. ATT thought that they put one over on Jobs, only to find out what the music industry did - the guy was sharp and had good business sense. In the end, Apple came out ahead. I believe, and will have to go back for references, that Verizon got a better deal when ATT's exclusivity expired.

 

From that history, I don't doubt that each Apple contract with carriers is unique.

 

And I think that the 40% claim only applies to the US market. I don't know that foreign carriers ever get involved in subsidies.

 

No argument on the $15.5 billion, note in my earlier post I referred to that as a commitment. And commitments like that count when a company seeks big financing.

Yes, there are unique things about each contract. For example, Apple gets to decide where iPhone displays go in Sprint stores. When I walk into a AT&T store, the iPhone is typically in the middle of the store (windows phone is first). When I walk into a Verizon store, it's 4G LTE Android devices. When I walk into a Sprint store, it's the iPhone.

http://www.bgr.com/2011/10/10/sprints-iphone-4s-launch-details-revealed/

I remember when the iPhone was about to launch my local Corporate sprint store closed early the day before to "build" the iphone display right by the door. I thought it was funny.

After seeing Verizon toss Apple to the back of the store... they were not going to make the same mistake twice.

Thanks for the link. It still doesn't make sense to me, though. The iPhone 4S is the same exact model between all carriers. Why would Sprint pay more for theirs? Could they just be referring to the cost difference between the CDMA iPhone 4 and the GSM version?

 

Its my understanding that Apple charges the same pricing to everyone for the same devices. The carriers can take it or leave it. Also, it is my understanding that the contract with Apple is just a guaranteed amount of sales. Sprint has to sell the 15.5B of devices, or pay the difference at the end of the contract.

 

Has any other media picked up on this 40%? Doesn't quite make sense to me.

 

Robert via Kindle Fire using Forum Runner

I don't think that's correct either. I've read multiple reports on this. I'll get the numbers on Monday.

I think we should take off our speculation hats until I get the numbers.

Haven't heard any updates since my last article on it. http://s4gru.com/ind...the-windy-city/

 

Robert

Thx. Still feel bad for the management team. AL and Ericsson seem to be flying. I can't wait to see the July schedule. If they can actually ramp up in July like they say they will, I'll be floored.

Poor samsung. I bet it is long days for the guy managing the samsung deployment in Chicago.

Have you heard any updates on Chicago? Seems like they are still facing major headwinds...?

That's my hope, but it's uncertain. We know Google will replace the CEO and we can hope for a cultural shift only, as Google has promised to stay hands off. And they sell a lot to Verizon, who are head over heels in love with anything locked down protecting their phoney baloney bloatware.

 

And then too, we have to consider timing involved.

 

And whether the cultural shift will also take away our sd cards.

 

Questions, questions.

I agree - if I was a betting person, the reason why moto is so locked is at the direct request of Verizon.

Quick notes:

20% of all new activations = iPhone

51% of all new iPhones in our service area were sold in Shentel-controlled channels.

6.8% of the postpaid base have an iphone

40% own iphone 4, 60% iphone 4s

total network vision spend in 2012 = 60 million

"Work has progressed nicely over the past few months. we still plan to complete 274 of our 510 sites this year. The upgrades of our wireless switch will be completed in the next few weeks. We've plans to install our first Network Vision base station later this month. We have approximately 100 sites scheduled to be completed by the end of July or early August. We still expect to launch initial 4G LTE service in the third quarter although we will be starting to sell LTE phones as soon as they are available."

Question about biggest factors about network vision-

Answer: Probably are three. One is, we've got to be able to get fiber or microwave to every one of the sites. We are very optimistic that we are going to be able to do that, but we are relying on third parties for some of those sites. So, those could put us at risk. Second is, we've had some very good success in talking with the various tower owners and working through the negotiations on those, obviously if those negotiations continue to go well, that could have an impact. And third is the coordination with Alcatel-Lucent, obviously they are doing a huge project with Sprint at the same time. At this point, we do feel like we are getting the proper amount of attention, but that's something we continue to monitor.

Nothing else worth mentioning

True that it's not GREED that drives one or the other, but Verizon has a disadvantage to at&t. Verizon doesn't own 100% of Verizon Wireless. It makes the biggest difference between the 2. If Verizon acquires the rest of VZW, then we will have a Duopoly in the USA.

Verizon's relationship with Verizon Wireless is WAY closer than Sprint and Clearwire... and look at those two. You can still say Duopoly with VZW and AT&T. Leave the VZ for another day.

The fact that VZ doesn't own 100% of VZW is one of the few mis-steps Verizon has ever made.

Clearwire is Sprint's off-balance sheet Muppet. It's comical.

it didn't, i moved on to another server.

Interesting. You would think Sprint would offer the fastest speeds. Thanks for the info. What were the speeds like on the sprint.com/speedtest site?

well im happy to report AT04XC506 is still dishing out LTE ;-)

It would be AWESOME if you could speedtest using the sprint speedtest server in atlanta.

I bet that would get the absolute fastest speeds possible.

www.sprint.com/speedtest

edit: if you haven't installed adobe flash from the google play store, you won't be able to run the test

ATT and Verizon don't actually like competing in a market segment, they want to turn the US wireless market into a "comfortable duopoly" where they can jack up prices on consumers and slash infrastructure spending.

Exactly.

As for GREED... all corporations are greedy. Verizon is greedy too... just look at their gross margins. The difference between Verizon and AT&T? Not greed. Both are greedy.

It's how they decided to compete in the marketplace. Verizon said "we'll have the best technology". AT&T said "we'll have the best people working to align political figures to do things that benefit us the most".

The Galaxy series are (so far) the only two phones (have carried both epics) that have not failed on me due to quality control issues . I love love love HTC..... but don't have any desire to deal with light leaking, failed charger ports, etc that I dealt with in my HTC Windows Mobile years... I use to have to depend on insurance to keep a functioning device. Had 4 palm pre replacements in between.... I'm 1 year 6 months of no insurance with Samsung.. I may not hold as good of a signal in a fringe area and I may not get a GPS lock as quickly as another phone would, but these guys have survived plenty of drops and haven't done anything that a reset or wipe can't fix.

 

So.... I want to again carry an HTC device, but I'd want to pick it up 2nd hand or hear of very few random quality issues....

 

ANYWAY, I'm very very excited about being able to wirelessly charge again like with the Pre .... loving the colors ..... excited about the improved battery.... and loving the software. Really interested to read how successful they've been in upping the voice interaction... If well, Apple is going to be even more furious!

HTC has had to grow up rather quickly. I've used HTC devices since before they were HTC devices (remember how they were branded audiovox for a while?).

http://www.pcmag.com...,1821923,00.asp

Ahh the glory days of "how many buttons can we fit on this phone". The build quality was so bad, it was almost laughable.

But in all seriousness - I think if you look to newer devices like the HTC rezound or the HTC EVO Design, build quality seems to be on par with Samsung. With the latest HTC One series, build quality seems to be on parity with with Nokia. Samsung continues to use plasticy parts. I think that's one of the reasons why so many people were excited to hear about the possibility of a ceramic case. Something, anything, to kill the plastic found on samsung phones.

Plastic is out, milled polycarbonate is in

I wish they would just stop being bitter. Its so unbecoming of a man who earned 22 million last year as the ceo of a wildly profitable telecom to be so bitterly anti consumer and anti government. Is it really so hard being att? Really?

Sadly, it is not bitter. It's the machine that is AT&T. It's just a marketing tool.

They are just promoting what would benefit them the most (less competition, more airwaves) in this particular marketing piece.

It's amazing the differences between AT&T and Verizon. While Verizon is no golden child, they operate (in my opinion) in a much more competitive manner.

Buying 22MHz of nationwide upper 700MHz for over $10 billion? That was too much $$ for AT&T.

Running fiber into home instead of to huge neighborhood nodes? That was too much $$ for AT&T.

When they have offerings that are inferior to the competition, what do they do? Try to work on having no competition. He is paid 22 million to try to make sure nobody can compete with AT&T since AT&T is incapable of competing.

I bet AT&T would love to have a nice duopoly and just roll in the cash.

I hope AT&T crashes, burns, crashes and burns some more, and falls off the face of the earth.

All politics aside, blocking the AT&T/T-Mobile merger is the best thing the government has done to the telecom industry in a long time.