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Network vision & LTE rollout
- Thread starter kingtheproducer
- Start date
NYCHitman1
Gun for Hire
The only way to know for sure is to travel there, but based on Sensorly readings - there seems to be some LTE avail in DC + Baltimore.
Sprint 4G LTE via Sensorly
Sprint 4G LTE via Sensorly
simcha
Android Enthusiast
Allegedly in 2/2013 Sprint launched Network Vision in the East Bay. I'd like to hear from others who live in the East Bay to find out if LTE has made it to their areas of the East Bay and whether or not your 3G speeds have improved since launch.
I can be very honest after mapping for Sensorly and testing speeds in the various areas where I spend most of my time in Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, San Leandro, and Hayward. I don't have LTE where I live in Oakland or where I work in Berkeley. In fact, my 3G speeds remain unchanged in both places. They remain as bad as dialup was in the late 1990's on my old modem.
I do notice pockets of LTE in Downtown Oakland and Jack London Square. These aren't very residential areas. I have yet to pick up LTE in other areas away from the major freeways. 580 through Oakland doesn't seem to have LTE either.
I have yet to pick up LTE in Berkeley or Emeryville away from 80.
Where I have experienced LTE (in Downtown Oakland and Jack London Square) the speeds are good, but not great.
So, if in fact, Sprint did launch Network Vision and LTE in the East Bay, I'd like to know where they have approached completion in the East Bay. Can anyone enlighten me? Please?
I can be very honest after mapping for Sensorly and testing speeds in the various areas where I spend most of my time in Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, San Leandro, and Hayward. I don't have LTE where I live in Oakland or where I work in Berkeley. In fact, my 3G speeds remain unchanged in both places. They remain as bad as dialup was in the late 1990's on my old modem.
I do notice pockets of LTE in Downtown Oakland and Jack London Square. These aren't very residential areas. I have yet to pick up LTE in other areas away from the major freeways. 580 through Oakland doesn't seem to have LTE either.
I have yet to pick up LTE in Berkeley or Emeryville away from 80.
Where I have experienced LTE (in Downtown Oakland and Jack London Square) the speeds are good, but not great.
So, if in fact, Sprint did launch Network Vision and LTE in the East Bay, I'd like to know where they have approached completion in the East Bay. Can anyone enlighten me? Please?
PyroSporker
Android Expert
(Sept. 2012)Have you heard any rumblings or updates lately about HD Voice deploying. Anything that can be divulged? I know its still early, just curious is all, and definitely not complaining.
Its silly, because I won't be able to use it anyway (no other Evo LTE's or equivalent phones around me). I just want to find out more about it since it seems to have largely been forgotten or flown low key. We can surmise that alot of it hinges on the Network Vision deployment and continued progress, but they did initially say Fall/Winter or Q4 or something along those lines. It is kind of just around the corner.
FINALLY! Its about time. Seriously Sprint?! It has been more than an entire year since you showed off HD Voice on the Evo 4G LTE (late March/early Apr. 2012) You all but guaranteed HD Voice by year end 2012, then with little to no communication or update backed down and said for sure Q1/Q2 2013, and here we are part way into Q3 2013.
I obviously didn't expect it to roll out overnight, especially since it is being implemented along side Network Vision.A feature that was debuted and touted highly along with the Evo 4G LTE, but as of today is being deployed to the One first? How does that make good? This isn't even a feature I would likely use or take advantage of, but how about keeping your word and doing the right thing, or at least communicating with your subscribers along the way...HD Voice, not the end of the world here just a symptom of the greater problem
Dealing with Sprint has always been simple to me. If Sprint has what you want right now, then go with them. If it's something "promised" or planned, think twice because they have a well-documented history of not delivering on time or at all.
HD Voice between specific handsets is a joke. It's either network-wide or a useless feature.
HD Voice between specific handsets is a joke. It's either network-wide or a useless feature.
PyroSporker
Android Expert
I can't tell if this is in response to my post from a while back or not, but if it is you must not have fully understood my premise...
AbductedCasper
Newbie
For some reason my phone does not show 4g LTE when it's connected to a 4G LTE network. Anyways I got this connection when I was around Reno
DragonSlayer95
Resident Air Bender
For the ones living in the Upstate area of South Carolina, mostly Greenville, Spartanburg and Union. Sprint flipped on the 4G switch for us within the past week.
My top speeds so far has been 18mbps down and 8mbps up.
My top speeds so far has been 18mbps down and 8mbps up.
jmatherly411
Android Enthusiast
So what is this Network Vision that I hear about from Sprint for the past 2 years? Well take a seat at your desk as we will go over what Network Vision is, how it will effect you, and what it means for you the customer.
Q: What is Network Vision that Sprint keeps talking about?
A: Network Vision is the overhauling of Sprints network we are talking about 40,000 towers that will get overhauled, back hauled, and upgraded.
Q: When is Network Vision beginning?
A: Now! Sprint has started Network Vision in 2011 and should be completed in mid-2014.
Q: Who is performing Network Vision?
A: There are three vendors that will be upgrading Sprint's network. Ericsson, Samsung, and Alcatel Lucent the following map shows which vendor will be performing work in your market/area.
Q: Does Network Vision include the deployment of 4G LTE?
A: Yes, Sprint will be deploying 4G LTE over its existing PCS 1900Mhz licensed spectrum as well as 800Mhz <------more on that later.
Q: I just bought a 4G LTE capable phone and Sprint's LTE coverage map shows that I have coverage, but I can't pick up an LTE signal what gives?
A: Many people think that Sprint's coverage map shows the actual coverage in real time, this is not the case. Sprint's coverage maps are an estimate of what your coverage will be once the area is 100% fully built out. Once a market reaches 40-50% completion Sprint makes an announcement that LTE is available in that particular market even though there is still LTE being rolled out on the other 50% of the towers. This tricks customers into thinking they have LTE coverage at home, work, etc when there is a chance you will or chance that you will not. Hang in there the wait will be worth it once they are completed.
Q: What kind of speeds can I expect on Sprint's 4G LTE?
A: Typically the average speed will be about 4-6Mbps download and 1-3Mbps upload. There will be times where you will get bursts of up to 25Mbps.*
*Time, distance, topography, will be major factors in LTE speed*
Q: Will I see a performance increase in 3G EVDO once Network Vision is completed?
A: Yes you will get a better 3G connection post Network Vision upgrades (1-2.5Mbps). Legacy Sprint sites use bundled T1 connections for their 3G data service, this was okay before the smartphone explosion now the airlink has become saturated causing dropped, slow, and poor 3G connections making your 3G connection virtually unusable at times. Network Vision upgrades will correct these issues using fiber or microwave bridge to fiber backhaul at virtually every Sprint cell site.
Q: I visited network.sprint.com and entered my zip code and shows a bunch of upgrades in the last 6 months but I still have the same quality of service, why?
A: Sprint's Network Vision map shows work that has been completed to legacy equipment. Sprint's NV map doesn't show every tower that is in your county/city/neighborhood that has been upgraded, there is too much work being done across the Untied States to keep up with the NV upgrades.
Q: What's this 800Mhz you were talking about earlier?
A: Sprint has recently shut down the Nextel iDEN network (effective July 1st 2013) that used the 800Mhz spectrum. Sprint will be re-farming this spectrum for the use of LTE, 3G, and CDMA 1x. CDMA 1x is currently part of network vision, but we will have to wait later on down the road for LTE 800.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using 800Mhz over 1900Mhz?
A: 800Mhz has been noted for better building penetration and traveling longer distances than 1900Mhz PCS. The use of 800Mhz will be used in dense metropolitan areas and in rural areas. Most of Sprint devices will utilize the 800 1x for voice so you should see a fewer dropped calls once 800 is turned on. The disadvantage of 800Mhz is that it doesn't have the capacity (bandwidth) of 1900Mhz PCS.
Q: What does a post Network Vision cell site look like?
I hope this has helped some of you that didn't understand what Network Vision does. I will continue to add to this, it would be nice to get this thread stickied. I know that it has been a slow process but remember Sprint's service will get better as time goes on. It can be hard for these vendors to do upgrades for the fact some municipalities require construction permits, notifying property owners to access their sites/equipment, issues with getting backhaul to cell sites, etc. These type of situations will slow down the progress of Network Vision but eventually they will get to every site.
Q: What is Network Vision that Sprint keeps talking about?
A: Network Vision is the overhauling of Sprints network we are talking about 40,000 towers that will get overhauled, back hauled, and upgraded.
Q: When is Network Vision beginning?
A: Now! Sprint has started Network Vision in 2011 and should be completed in mid-2014.
Q: Who is performing Network Vision?
A: There are three vendors that will be upgrading Sprint's network. Ericsson, Samsung, and Alcatel Lucent the following map shows which vendor will be performing work in your market/area.
Q: Does Network Vision include the deployment of 4G LTE?
A: Yes, Sprint will be deploying 4G LTE over its existing PCS 1900Mhz licensed spectrum as well as 800Mhz <------more on that later.
Q: I just bought a 4G LTE capable phone and Sprint's LTE coverage map shows that I have coverage, but I can't pick up an LTE signal what gives?
A: Many people think that Sprint's coverage map shows the actual coverage in real time, this is not the case. Sprint's coverage maps are an estimate of what your coverage will be once the area is 100% fully built out. Once a market reaches 40-50% completion Sprint makes an announcement that LTE is available in that particular market even though there is still LTE being rolled out on the other 50% of the towers. This tricks customers into thinking they have LTE coverage at home, work, etc when there is a chance you will or chance that you will not. Hang in there the wait will be worth it once they are completed.
Q: What kind of speeds can I expect on Sprint's 4G LTE?
A: Typically the average speed will be about 4-6Mbps download and 1-3Mbps upload. There will be times where you will get bursts of up to 25Mbps.*
*Time, distance, topography, will be major factors in LTE speed*
Q: Will I see a performance increase in 3G EVDO once Network Vision is completed?
A: Yes you will get a better 3G connection post Network Vision upgrades (1-2.5Mbps). Legacy Sprint sites use bundled T1 connections for their 3G data service, this was okay before the smartphone explosion now the airlink has become saturated causing dropped, slow, and poor 3G connections making your 3G connection virtually unusable at times. Network Vision upgrades will correct these issues using fiber or microwave bridge to fiber backhaul at virtually every Sprint cell site.
Q: I visited network.sprint.com and entered my zip code and shows a bunch of upgrades in the last 6 months but I still have the same quality of service, why?
A: Sprint's Network Vision map shows work that has been completed to legacy equipment. Sprint's NV map doesn't show every tower that is in your county/city/neighborhood that has been upgraded, there is too much work being done across the Untied States to keep up with the NV upgrades.
Q: What's this 800Mhz you were talking about earlier?
A: Sprint has recently shut down the Nextel iDEN network (effective July 1st 2013) that used the 800Mhz spectrum. Sprint will be re-farming this spectrum for the use of LTE, 3G, and CDMA 1x. CDMA 1x is currently part of network vision, but we will have to wait later on down the road for LTE 800.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using 800Mhz over 1900Mhz?
A: 800Mhz has been noted for better building penetration and traveling longer distances than 1900Mhz PCS. The use of 800Mhz will be used in dense metropolitan areas and in rural areas. Most of Sprint devices will utilize the 800 1x for voice so you should see a fewer dropped calls once 800 is turned on. The disadvantage of 800Mhz is that it doesn't have the capacity (bandwidth) of 1900Mhz PCS.
Q: What does a post Network Vision cell site look like?
I hope this has helped some of you that didn't understand what Network Vision does. I will continue to add to this, it would be nice to get this thread stickied. I know that it has been a slow process but remember Sprint's service will get better as time goes on. It can be hard for these vendors to do upgrades for the fact some municipalities require construction permits, notifying property owners to access their sites/equipment, issues with getting backhaul to cell sites, etc. These type of situations will slow down the progress of Network Vision but eventually they will get to every site.
Looking forward to the Sprint 4G LTE upgrades being completed. Some more info on Network Vision:
Sprint Network Vision Information Center | Sprint Newsroom
Sprint pushes back Network Vision completion date to mid-2014 - FierceWireless
Sprint Network Vision Information Center | Sprint Newsroom
Sprint pushes back Network Vision completion date to mid-2014 - FierceWireless
ArmageddonX
Android Expert
I bought a Nexus 5 yesterday and I'm proud to report after nearly 4 years of waiting.... I just got 4G (LTE) in NW Phoenix Arizona.
Wow!
Wow!
ArmageddonX
Android Expert
breadnatty08
pain rustique
Congrats, ArmyX! 
Did a speed test the other day on Verizon LTE and got a fraction of what you're seeing.
Hopefully you don't see the speeds slow down as much as I did.
Did a speed test the other day on Verizon LTE and got a fraction of what you're seeing.
Hopefully you don't see the speeds slow down as much as I did.
Trevinator110
Newbie
Yes its sporadic, I have a moto x (republic wireless) and when I'm in LA it can range from 15 to 2 mbs just based on congestion of sprints towers. However video and searches still load really fast so that's really all that matters.
SurrealOne
Android Expert
Bye Bye Sprint my company has been with Sprint for over ten years we just moved 400 lines to VZW. We are over the Sprint lies. sure we are going to pay more but who cares no more dropped calls.
jmatherly411
Android Enthusiast
Enjoy your new service, I know a lot of people get upset and impatient waiting for the upgrades to be completed in their market. It is normal for the Sprint's network to degrade (dropped calls, slow 3G, roaming, etc) when upgrades are ongoing. VZW will have the same problems down the road when their network becomes congested, already happening in a few markets. Once Sprint's new network matures and network vision is completed come back and try it out.
2 yrs and counting.. yes.. I live in one of the first markets to start the upgrade...
so.. I will come back in 2-10 yrs.. and see how NV is going.. cool
maybe sprint will still be around.....
Rxpert83
Dr. Feelgood
Enjoy your service
. Every areas different, so if its no good in your area and you'd rather switch no problemoI've seen sprint in an upgraded market and I'm willing to wait on it.