Independent mobile testing firm Root Metrics conducted thousands of data, call and text tests throughout the Raleigh area to see which wireless network provided the fastest and most reliable data network, fewest dropped calls and fastest text message delivery.

Building on its effort to distinguish itself among its wireless rivals, Sprint confirms that it will offer unlimited data plans with the next iPhone even if the device is capable of speedy 4G LTE network speeds.

"I'm not anticipating the unlimited plan would change by that point," Sprint CEO Dan Hesse told CNET. "That's our distinctive differentiator."

Sprint has struggled with dominant rivals AT&T and Verizon. The addition of the iPhone did boost the carrier's first quarter. Sprint gained 263,000 phone subscribers under contract, more than AT&T and Verizon.

Currently Sprint's wireless network speed lags behind the 4G networks of AT&T and Verizon. Sprint is planning to build an LTE network of its own to compete.

Wireless carriers make much ado over their network speeds. But which among AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon is the fastest?  The big four networks were tested by PCWorld a year since their last wireless shootout. In the 2011 test, Verizon's LTE network and T-Mobile's HSPA+ were top performers, but the wireless landscape has changed.

Apple unveiled a new iPhone with significant hardware and software upgrades, the iPhone 4S featuring the dual-core A5 processor used in the iPad. Apple claims it is up to 7 times faster than the previous iPhone.

If you are reading this then you probably know Apple is expected to unveil a new iPhone Tuesday - maybe even two. Savvy tech fans also know that virtually no one expects an LTE 4G compatible device. Well almost no one.

Sprint reportedly has plans that could lure customers from chief rivals AT&T and Verizon - unlimited plans.

According to Bloomberg, Sprint intends to offer unlimited data plans with its own iPhone expected to go on sale in October. The move would make Sprint the only carrier in the U.S. to offer the iPhone with unlimited data. AT&T and Verizon eliminated their unlimited plans in favor of tiered pricing for new customers.

Apple's new iPhone is reportedly set to join Sprint's smartphone lineup this fall.

The iPhone 5 is expected to go on sale in mid-October and it will be available through at least one more carrier according to the Wall Street Journal.

Sprint is the third largest carrier with 52 million subscribers. Verizon sits at the top with 106 million followed by AT&T with 99 million.

Offering the iPhone is likely to help Sprint retain and perhaps boost its number of subscribers, but the WSJ says it could also aid AT&T's case for acquiring T-Mobile. Sprint is set against the merger.

Meanwhile TechCrunch says it has on good authority that the iPhone 5 will be a world phone capable of using both CDMA and GSM networks. Sprint and Verizon use CDMA technology while AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM technology. There is no mention of LTE which dampens the rumor that the next iPhone will be LTE compatible.

Also, a report from Reuters' claims Apple is working on a lower-cost 8GB iPhone based on the iPhone 4 to appeal to those deterred by the higher price of the iPhone 5.
 

Sprint is digging-in and has issued fighting words over AT&T's $39 billion takeover of T-Mobile USA.

“…Sprint will fight this attempt by AT&T to undo the progress of the past 25 years and create a new Ma Bell duopoly,” the company said in a statement released Monday.

Not exactly a surprise, but Sprint, a distant third among the nation's wireless carriers, seems to be preparing for a real fight. Though many believe AT&T can make enough concessions to get the approval.

AT&T's T-Mobile acquisition stirred the pot of pundits igniting outcry over the deal, fair or not.

Whatever carrier users chose the deal is likely to have an impact. AT&T promises better service to consumers. Critics cite lack of choice and predict service price increases. Verizon has remained somewhat neutral  perhaps because of its previous experiences acquiring Alltel and Suncom.
 

Percentages ebb and flow, but this provides some scale for what the merger would bring.

Percentages ebb and flow, but this provides some scale for what the merger would bring.

Phone makers used to brag about their touchscreens before they became the standard. So Kyocera decided its new Echo for Sprint should have two touchscreens.