800MHz LTE is coming to Sprint in 2014
Sprint is already well on its way to deploying a nationwide 4G LTE network on its 1900MHz spectrum, although we can also expect 800MHz LTE by 2014. This is according to Sprint's president of network operations, Steve Elfman, who also noted that Sprint is already in the process of getting this transition approved by the FCC.
Sprint's 800MHz spectrum is currently being utilized by former Nextel customers who are still on the legacy iDEN network. However, as more of these customers move to Sprint's CDMA service, more spectrum is consequently freed for other uses. Sprint is already using some of this freed spectrum for 1X advanced voice services, with LTE to follow in 2014.
800MHz provides for better reception indoors, which is welcome news to many WiMAX customers who complained of poor reception anywhere but outside. This is also welcome news to those who plan to purchase the HTC EVO 4G LTE, which is compatible with LTE at both frequencies, as well as 1X advanced voice services.
Sprint says that it is still on target to reach 123 million people with LTE by the end of this year, and over 250 million by the end of 2013.
[Fierce Wireless]
