Sprint: Improve WiMax issues, make $79.99 plan truly Unlimited

[FreakyLocz14]

Even in areas that on Sprint's coverage map say that I should get coverage "outdoors, in vehicles, and in most buildings", I'm usually either not connecting to 4G at all or am connecting to a weak signal that disconnects and reconnects constantly. It's very rare that I get a stable 4G signal inside a building.

My next gripe with WiMax is how whenever I am driving, or even walking at a slow pace, the 4G signal constantly disconnects and reconnects. It seems like I have to be outdoors and completely stationary to even enjoy 4G. I really do love it when it works; though, since it is just as fast (and sometimes a tad faster) than my home Wi-Fi.

Another suggestion I have is to make the $79.99 plan include unlimited calling. Though the large majority of my minutes used are covered under "Any Mobile, Anytime", I find myself putting off returning calls from landlines or checking my VM until after 7 PM. It's practically unlimited anyway, but I'd enjoy the piece of mind since I'm pretty sure I have a minor case of OCD.

Also, what's keeping Sprint from making 3G capable of simultaneous voice and data sessions? Verizon has done it, and they are a CDMA network.

P.S.
Would those coverage problems be grounds to have a contract terminated without penalty? I'll most likely stay with Sprint since the only other carrier I'd consider (T-Mobile)'s handset lineup and data caps on their "unlimited" plans don't sit well with me.

 

[sikclown]

Even in areas that on Sprint's coverage map say that I should get coverage "outdoors, in vehicles, and in most buildings", I'm usually either not connecting to 4G at all or am connecting to a weak signal that disconnects and reconnects constantly. It's very rare that I get a stable 4G signal inside a building.

My next gripe with WiMax is how whenever I am driving, or even walking at a slow pace, the 4G signal constantly disconnects and reconnects. It seems like I have to be outdoors and completely stationary to even enjoy 4G. I really do love it when it works; though, since it is just as fast (and sometimes a tad faster) than my home Wi-Fi.

Another suggestion I have is to make the $79.99 plan include unlimited calling. Though the large majority of my minutes used are covered under "Any Mobile, Anytime", I find myself putting off returning calls from landlines or checking my VM until after 7 PM. It's practically unlimited anyway, but I'd enjoy the piece of mind since I'm pretty sure I have a minor case of OCD.

Also, what's keeping Sprint from making 3G capable of simultaneous voice and data sessions? Verizon has done it, and they are a CDMA network.

P.S.
Would those coverage problems be grounds to have a contract terminated without penalty? I'll most likely stay with Sprint since the only other carrier I'd consider (T-Mobile)'s handset lineup and data caps on their "unlimited" plans don't sit well with me.

Unfortunately I think the connect disconnect of WiMax is just one of those limitations of the tech. More towers/coverage should fix that based on how the technology is supposed to work but I could be wrong. As far as the unlimited calling on the 79.99 plan why would Sprint do that? They would effectively kill their more expensive plans. I admit it would be awesome if they did do that but it isn't feasible.

As for the the simultaneous Voice and Data (known as SVDO) that requires a lot of upgrades. I am sure this is in Sprint's Major Network Upgrade plan but my understanding is it requires two radios, One for the 1x call and one for the EVDO data. So far the only phone capable of that is the Thunderbolt (I think) because of hardware limitations. It isn't a simple software upgrade and Verizon has the money and the towers to do the upgrade while building out it's LTE network. Sprint isn't actually building out it's WiMax network, it is leasing it from Clearwire.

I think the only grounds for avoiding the ETF are if they change your contract on you or if the coverage on 1x/3g is so bad that even an Airave can't fix it or if you are constantly in roaming (this last one Sprint will probably cancel you on their own)

 

[jallp82]

just don't pay your bill for 3 months and they will just cancel it.

 

[FreakyLocz14]

just don't pay your bill for 3 months and they will just cancel it.

That won't allow me to escape the ETF.

 

[ebolamonkey3]

just don't pay your bill for 3 months and they will just cancel it.

And kill your credit in the process...

 

[drexappeal]

Well, might be a moot point in 3-5 years

Falcone?s LightSquared in Deal With Sprint - Bloomberg

 

[sikclown]

Well, might be a moot point in 3-5 years

Falcone?s LightSquared in Deal With Sprint - Bloomberg

Yeah. Here is another article outlining some pitfalls of that deal. Biggest one I see is that LightSquared's initial trials interfered with GPS satelittes.

Sprint Gets Lien on LightSquared Spectrum: Will Anybody Need It?

 

[BenChase7]

Yeah. Here is another article outlining some pitfalls of that deal. Biggest one I see is that LightSquared's initial trials interfered with GPS satelittes.

Sprint Gets Lien on LightSquared Spectrum: Will Anybody Need It?

yea, if LightSquared get their gps interference issues worked out, this deal will be huge for Sprint. And with the hedge fund backing that LightSquared has, there will certainly not be and financial limitations. Lots of good things to come for Sprint, based on this article.

 

[ArmageddonX]

Improve WiMax? I'd be happy just to get WiMax! I live in Phoenix Az and my closest WiMax coverage spot is over a 30 minute drive from where I live in. 4G coverage here is almost non-existent.

 

[BenChase7]

Improve WiMax? I'd be happy just to get WiMax! I live in Phoenix Az and my closest WiMax coverage spot is over a 30 minute drive from where I live in. 4G coverage here is almost non-existent.

I hear ya, I want 4G in Phx too!! but the above two links are not about WiMax.