• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Network vision & LTE rollout

I know the SGS3 has access to the 800MHz spectrum once it goes live. The EVO LTE probably does too.

There are about 30 phones on Sprint that support the 800 mhz frequency (that has already gone live in some markets.. such as Chicago.) You can see the list of phones that support 800mhz here: Frequently Asked Questions - Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
Basically everything released in the last 2 years supports 800 mhz. However, This is only CDMA/1X that these devices support. So, basically, voice, text and 1x data.
Sprint will roll out LTE on 800 mhz (using the freed up iDEN) spectrum next summer. None of the current phones support 800mhz LTE. Sprint is expected to release devices that support LTE on both 1900 and 800mhz Q2 next year.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NYCHitman1
Upvote 0
There are about 30 phones on Sprint that support the 800 mhz frequency (that has already gone live in some markets.. such as Chicago.) You can see the list of phones that support 800mhz here: Frequently Asked Questions - Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
Basically everything released in the last 2 years supports 800 mhz. However, This is only CDMA/1X that these devices support. So, basically, voice, text and 1x data.
Sprint will roll out LTE on 800 mhz (using the freed up iDEN) spectrum next summer. None of the current phones support 800mhz LTE. Sprint is expected to release devices that support LTE on both 1900 and 800mhz Q2 next year.

Ahh! See, I knew that it was supported, but I wasn't sure on what band. At least now I got some clarification. I probably should have known that being a S4GRU PS, but I don't surf there as often anymore.
 
Upvote 0
There are about 30 phones on Sprint that support the 800 mhz frequency (that has already gone live in some markets.. such as Chicago.) You can see the list of phones that support 800mhz here: Frequently Asked Questions - Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
Basically everything released in the last 2 years supports 800 mhz. However, This is only CDMA/1X that these devices support. So, basically, voice, text and 1x data.
Sprint will roll out LTE on 800 mhz (using the freed up iDEN) spectrum next summer. None of the current phones support 800mhz LTE. Sprint is expected to release devices that support LTE on both 1900 and 800mhz Q2 next year.

Exactly what I am saying.. No 800mhz LTE phone currently on sprint.. So we would have to upgrade again..

If you upgraded thus year or earlier.. Then you should be up for your next upgrade.. Just in time for the supported phones
 
Upvote 0
I'm on VZW now - considering switching (in Philly). If I switch - I want to get the Note 2 - are you saying that'll never be able to get 4G?

Note 2 on sprint in philly..
Yes.. I am pretty sure you will get 4G LTE someday.

In a few months to 2 years..

The note 2 will not see 800mhz LTE.. Because it does not have the required radio
 
Upvote 0
Upvote 0
Ben - to me - the last 2 posts (see below) seem to contradict each other:

There are about 30 phones on Sprint that support the 800 mhz frequency (that has already gone live in some markets.. such as Chicago.) You can see the list of phones that support 800mhz here: Frequently Asked Questions - Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
Basically everything released in the last 2 years supports 800 mhz. However, This is only CDMA/1X that these devices support. So, basically, voice, text and 1x data.
Sprint will roll out LTE on 800 mhz (using the freed up iDEN) spectrum next summer. None of the current phones support 800mhz LTE. Sprint is expected to release devices that support LTE on both 1900 and 800mhz Q2 next year.

No, not what I am saying. You will be able to get 4G LTE in Philly with the Note II. Likely within a few months as Sprint's Network Vision and 4G LTE upgrades are underway in Philly now. S4GRU has already confirmed tower upgrades in Philly.
Network Vision/LTE Deployment Running List - Sprint 4G Rollout Updates
 
Upvote 0
Ben - to me - the last 2 posts (see below) seem to contradict each other:

They don't contradict eachother. You're just misunderstanding what Ben wrote. You have CDMA (EVDO), 1X, and LTE that will operate on 800MHz spectrum once iDEN has been fully decomissioned, and Sprint activates it for other data services. All different bands. Current gen devices have access to only 800 CDMA/1X, but that's not active yet. LTE roll out is completely different. Let's put it this way - if you have 3G where you live, you will see LTE.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BenChase7
Upvote 0
This is what threw me: "Basically everything released in the last 2 years supports 800 mhz. However, This is only CDMA/1X that these devices support. So, basically, voice, text and 1x data. "


The Note 2 (like all current Sprint 4G LTE phones) will be able to get 4G LTE on Sprints 1900 MHz LTE frequencies, and CDMA/1x on both 1900 and 800 MHz. Hope that helps.
 
Upvote 0
It actually does bro lol but att and vzw doesn't have the lte range that sprint does hence why his vzw note kept switching

I see your point, and where your thought process is coming from, but it's indirectly related. The lower the frequency, the better the coverage, which thus has that added possibility of providing better data speeds. However, this does not include the bandwidth coming across that aforementioned spectrum. Multiple aspects come into play in regards to data speeds (backhaul, carriers, etc). That's why many are in the pits right now w/ their data speeds.
 
  • Like
Reactions: greenghost2212
Upvote 0
Just checked my wifes sprint phone earlier today....

Sprints vision rollout had done "4 data speed upgrades" on a tower less than a mile where we live.....still pulling down .10mbps

They are supposed to be launching LTE in our area soon, if it's anything like their vision rollout I will not switch back to sprint anytime soon.
 
Upvote 0
Just checked my wifes sprint phone earlier today....

Sprints vision rollout had done "4 data speed upgrades" on a tower less than a mile where we live.....still pulling down .10mbps

They are supposed to be launching LTE in our area soon, if it's anything like their vision rollout I will not switch back to sprint anytime soon.

Those upgrades on the https://network.sprint.com site have nothing to to with Network Vision.
 
Upvote 0
Data "might" improve on 3G when more users use LTE. It's just moving people off one channel onto another. The key issue is going to be how they handle backhaul. I think that was the one advantage Wimax had over LTE.

By the way, I really think the key to Sprint's Wimax failure was an inability to get it deployed in major metros for a variety of reasons, including local code and regulation restrictions. Sprint then tried to work around it by focusing on smaller markets. Since LTE towers are going to be where many current 3G upgrades have taken place, the larger markets have fallen behind.

I think the merger will help with this as Sprint simply didn't (doesn't) have to capital for wider, faster deployment any longer.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BrianJB
Upvote 0
It just really annoys me that sprints site will show the "low end" of a 3g connection is .60mbps..and the high end is well over 1mbps.

I don't think we have even in our 3 years living here ever hit .60mbps.

I really do hope for the best with sprint, I am still on my families plan so I could get an upgrade whenever, but I don't want to get locked into another 2 years of what we have went through the last 2 years.

My part of the contract is up in April, they are "supposed" to be launching LTE in my area soon. If it works well at my house and at work then I will resign.

I don't need verizon's crazy speeds of 40mbps...I don't download huge files or anything, but it would be nice to be on sprint and not have to wait 5 mins to watch a 2 min video on youtube.

I'd be a-ok with data speeds around 3mbps.
 
Upvote 0
It just really annoys me that sprints site will show the "low end" of a 3g connection is .60mbps..and the high end is well over 1mbps.

I don't think we have even in our 3 years living here ever hit .60mbps.

I really do hope for the best with sprint, I am still on my families plan so I could get an upgrade whenever, but I don't want to get locked into another 2 years of what we have went through the last 2 years.

My part of the contract is up in April, they are "supposed" to be launching LTE in my area soon. If it works well at my house and at work then I will resign.

I don't need verizon's crazy speeds of 40mbps...I don't download huge files or anything, but it would be nice to be on sprint and not have to wait 5 mins to watch a 2 min video on youtube.

I'd be a-ok with data speeds around 3mbps.

If it's any consolation, my 3G speeds are outstanding, but I do not have access to LTE quite yet. I imagine we'll be seeing something within the next month or two.
 
Upvote 0
So what exactly is it?

I would think when they said "data speed upgrade" that it would mean a data speed upgrade.


Where can I get accurate info?

The network.sprint.com site only shows upgrades that will happen in advance of Network Vision. These upgrades are usually adding backhaul in the form of an additional T1 line ("data speed upgrade") or adding an additional carrier ("data capacity upgrade"). In many cases, these upgrades are so minor that you may not even notice a difference in data speed during peak times. Its Almost as if they are just trying to keep the network from getting any worse until Network Vision arrives in those areas. S4GRU calls them "bandaid fixes," which I think is probably a pretty good way to think of if.
The Network Vision upgrades (that include LTE) are completely different. As NyHitman1 said, NV upgrades include going to almost each and every one of Sprints 38,500+ towers and installing all new equipment and adding AAV, Microwave, or Fiber backhaul. Over 99% of Sprints 38,500+ towers will get these upgrades. Essentially, Sprint is in the process of completely rebuilding the entire network.
 
Upvote 0
There have been so many new markets starting Network Vision deployment lately, so there's probably no need to post every time something new happens... Just look at S4GRU.com. However, I had to post this one because it is great news for one of our very own. Someone who has been a great help to me over the years...
EarlyMon, Here is to you!
Network Vision/LTE - Albuquerque market (including El Paso, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Roswell) - Sprint 4G Rollout Updates - Page 4
:smokingsomb: :car: :thumb:
 
Upvote 0

BEST TECH IN 2023

We've been tracking upcoming products and ranking the best tech since 2007. Thanks for trusting our opinion: we get rewarded through affiliate links that earn us a commission and we invite you to learn more about us.

Smartphones