Associated Press
Sprint has been trumpeting its 4G network. Where is the rest of the field? This is a summary of how U.S. wireless carriers are dealing with the transition to fourth-generation, or 4G, network technology, which promises faster data speeds:
- Sprint Nextel Corp. subsidiary Clearwire Corp. already has a 4G network up and running, and Sprint started selling the first compatible phone this summer. But Clearwire is using WiMax, a technology that's imcompatible with LTE, which everyone else is using or plans to use.
- Verizon Wireless plans to bring LTE to 25 to 30 cities later this year, mainly for PC modems. Phones will come next year.
- AT&T Inc. plans to launch commercial LTE service in the middle of next year. In the meantime, it's upgrading the speeds on its 3G network.
- T-Mobile USA hasn't made any specific plans public. It's focusing on upgrading its 3G network for now.
- LightSquared is a dark-horse entrant funded by a private equity firm. It plans to build an independent LTE network, with service starting next year, but financial and regulatory hurdles remain.
- MetroPCS Communications Inc. turned on LTE in Las Vegas on Tuesday, and plans to expand it to the rest of its coverage area by January.
© 2010 The Associated Press.
Matthew Fortner has been at The News & Observer since 2002. He has a passion for gadgets, cutting-edge technology and all things geek.
Comments
4G Coverage - Low hanging fruit only
Thu, 09/23/2010 - 08:04 — mmclendonSprint and other providers provide only a very limited 4G coverage area. The coverage area is only in metro area and along high traffic travel corridors. For the rural customer, 4G service is no more likely than cable or in the case of north Wake County, DSL.