Even more details emerge on Sprint's future 4G LTE strategy
Was Sprint's recent Strategy Update not enough for you? Do you want even more details on what's in the pipeline? As it turns out, in addition to deploying a nationwide 4G LTE network over their existing 1900Mhz spectrum, Sprint plans to roll out LTE Advanced (i.e. faster, better LTE) on 800Mhz by the first half of 2013.
According to Iyad Tarazi, Sprint's VP of network development and engineering, Sprint estimates that its LTE Advanced network will be capable of up to 15Mbps down and will cover up to 277 million people by the end of 2013. In other words, according to Tarazi, Sprint will have a larger LTE footprint than its current 3G footprint.
Additionally, Sprint is planning on launching Voice over LTE (VoLTE) in the first quarter of 2013, which will allow for services like HD voice and simultaneous voice and data usage. Sprint is still on track to launch a bunch of LTE enabled devices next year, too, although these "first generation" LTE devices will take advantage of voice over Sprint's existing CDMA 1X network.
Tarazi also said that Sprint is still committed to investing in and improving its ailing 3G network, as well as maintaining current levels of WiMAX service, so we EVO users have nothing to worry about for the moment. This is appropriate, especially since 20% of Sprint's data traffic is now on its WiMAX network!
In fact, 3G coverage should be getting better around the country for most people soon, as well. So what do you think? Are you excited about all of the upcoming changes at Sprint, as well as the potential of a really sweet up and coming LTE EVO? Sound off in the comments!
[Fierce Wireless via Android Police]
