LTE coverage, Summer 2012

[haven]

Verizon Wireless continues to lead the other cell phone companies in providing high speed connections based on the LTE data protocols. Verizon says it now serves metropolitan areas in USA where 235 million people live. The company is planning to offer LTE service to areas where 260 million people live by the end of the year.

AT&T is playing catch-up. AT&T provides LTE coverage in areas where an estimated 74 million people live. AT&T hopes to expand LTE coverage to 150 million by year's end.

Sprint first offered higher speed data service using WiMax technology. While WiMax will remain in service for several years, Sprint also sees LTE as the way forward. Sprint offers LTE in only a few markets today, but is planning to reach 140 million people by year's end. We'll see if that goal is realistic.

T-Mobile, the fourth large cell phone carrier in USA, continues to tout its HPSA+ service. T-Moble offers HPSA+ service throughout its network, serving areas where about 200 million people live. The HPSA+ service is primarily based based on 21 megabit technology, with some 42 megabit service. HPSA+ has proven to be slower than LTE in most areas, and LTE has an advantage in advertising. So T-Mobile plans to start its migration to LTE in 2013.

Even though all four major carriers will use LTE, the phone you purchase will still be locked to a single carrier's network.

 

[Anthony.L]

Verizon's superior LTE coverage is the primary reason my iPad 3 is Verizon vs. my iPad 1 which was AT&T. I also have a Verizon iPhone 4s through work and keeping my fingers cross the iPhone 5 released next month will have LTE.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Well, I'm glad the LTE is going well!

Now, if Verizon could get it so my phone would work in my basement, at my dad's, and inside the shop, I would be happy!

I have to go outside to use my phone (Droid Razor) which is annoying.

My dad has AT&T now (switched from Verizon) He can actually use his phone while in the house or garage now, without dropping calls.


All the '3G, '4G', 'LTE' and phone service come from the same tower(s), right?

I live in a big city (pop. 86K in city, and lots of rural) and we have 4G and LTE, but it's really spotty, all depends on what part of town your in.