Need some opinions about LTE

[speedracer68]

Here's my situation: I live in a fairly rural area, and while we're lucky to have cable and DSL, we're probably never going to get anything faster like FIOS. We can't even get high-definition TV through our cable provider because there just aren't enough people (read, potential subscribers) for the companies to recoup the massive investment that would be needed to build the infrastructure to support these technologies.

This means that, with regards to the Internet, I'm likely to be stuck on DSL, which isn't terrible, but I'd like to get something faster if it ever becomes available.

So now that LTE is rolling out, I'm wondering if it would be worth it to ditch my DSL and pay Verizon for the ability to tether using their 4G network (when and if it ever arrives here.)

For those who have used 4G networks, I'd like to know what kind of speeds you're getting and how much faster it would be compared to a wired DSL connection.

 

[ScorpDX]

Depends a lot of what kind of speed you're getting on DSL and where they install a 4g tower/antenna in your area. You could get 4g signal but be seeing speed slower than 3g. Kind of just have to wait and see.

Take my situation though, I live in Dallas/Fort Worth. I get an average of 5-7mbps on 4g and around 2-3mbps on DSL. 4g Tether is faster but the $30 tether fee charged is more than the $25 DSL so I just stay with DSL. The $30 is Sprints fee but I'm sure Verizon will be some where on par with that.

Now, that is of course assuming you pay the fee. There's always the option to root a phone and get it free. Also the broadband hotspot itself though that will be even more! The MiFi's I think are something like $60 a month.

In the end I'd say you'll come out somewhat even with what you have. But again, you'll have to wait and see what kind of signal/speed you get if/when it comes!

 

[speedracer68]

My DSL speeds are pretty slow, around 1-1.2 mbps and I'm supposed to be on the highest speed they offer (we recently changed from Verizon to Frontier). I understand that the time of day affects what my speeds will be, but generally, it's not very fast.

Rooting is always an option, but I stream a lot of movies and I doubt that Verizon would turn a blind eye to me pulling that amount of data without paying their extra fee.

I guess I'll just have to wait and see though.

 

[Super_Six_Two]

If you sream a lot 4G might not be that great for you with its data limits. The announced pricing was 5gb for $50 and 10gb for $80. I know that I can easily burn through 10gb in a month by watching streaming video and downloading things.

Those prices are for there USB dongle on 4g, not tethering.