Verizon 4G

[macksback]

Any of you mongers on Verizon's 4GLTE network yet? Is it much faster than verizon 3g?

[Bigdog5475]

It was rolled out in only certain metro areas and only available for USB aircards no phones available as of yet. However all the reviews rave about the download and upload speeds being much faster compared to the old 3g.

[ThatHarleyGuy]

Some good info on why none of the networks currently marketed as 4G, are anywhere close to 4G performance can be found HERE.

"Verizon claims that tests indicate it is getting download speeds of between 6Mbps and 12Mbps on its precommercial LTE network." The other networks "4G" top end barely makes it to Verizon's lower end of performance. Considering the average 3G was 1.5 Mbps, you're looking at a 4x improvement at a minimum over current 3G networks.

So, if you never knew what is was supposed to deliver (peak downloads of 100Mbps), Verizon has the best performance option, but currently the most limited coverage, excluding ATT which, as usual, isn't even in the game.

[macksback]

So you guys think its worth buying?

[Dawg2005]

The review that I read this morning said that it is awesome as far as speed, but if you look at the coverage map, it is limited to the metro area right now. Build out should start after the first of the year. As for should I buy it now, if you are primarily in a metro area that is covered and you want faster speed, then sure! The card is free with a 2 year contract. The review also said that one reason for the speed is like a cable TV Internet Modem. When more users get online it will slow down, but not to 3g speeds. Let us know your evaluation if you get it!~

[Chainsaw Anthropologist]

Originally Posted by ThatHarleyGuy

Some good info on why none of the networks currently marketed as 4G, are anywhere close to 4G performance can be found HERE...

It works better with this address;

http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-20...?tag=mncol;txt

[Boltfan]

#1 - It's the same price per month as 3G service so the question is, why not?

#2 - Equipment is $100 after mail in rebate of $50 versus a normal 3G aircard is free after same $50 mail in rebate.

So up front cost is the only barrier. If you live in a metro area I personally average around 11 Mbps and it works well inside due to the lower frequency. Verizon has enough bandwidth to support these speeds even with significant network load.

[ThatHarleyGuy]

Thanks for the assist Chainsaw.

Here in the capital, it is available only at the airport, so we have no real world usage.

[Meoauniaea]

Keep in mind that whatever companies today say is 4g isn't really 4g. They are lying. The download speeds are great, but that's because no one is using it. Once it gets more congested, it will slow. 4g is for data only. Voice is still 3G and will be for many more years.

[Boltfan]

Actually you are incorrect. Voice is 2G and on a different network. Data is on 3G and now 4G as well. Verizon has ample bandwidth to support substantial growth on their 4G network, just as they do to support substantial growth of 3G as well.

For Verizon's part they are not allowing massive bandwidth per customer since there are very few on the network. That would require them to choke down the channels per customer in the future. Not in their plans.

[macksback]

Alright mongers I got it. The 4g here in Houston is good.at my house in friendswood it is okay.The software that controls the 4g modem is kind of spotty.Crashes often in 4g.Does not crash in 3g mode.

[Boltfan]

There is a way to enable the card to automatically connect even without the software if you are having issues.

[badlamb24]

Verizon 4G Speed: I get 52 Mbps Download and 20 Mbps Upload speed using 4G Verizon LG modem. But - I agree as many users start buying 4G - speed will keep on dividing. I am having this high speed due to no user or few users in my area and being close to Verizon 4G antenna < Data speed also depends on how good 4G signal strength/ quality /signal to noise ratio Is >

Yes software does crashes sometimes, only if your using modem for long time because it need power cycle i.e. unplug and plug back works great. I believe its Hardware (modem) issue not software issue. Any new technology get polish with time and experience. 3G is in market almost 8 to 10 years - so give some time Guys.

Lets evaluate what really 4G is:

Verizon 4G LTE is best described as 3.9G (beyond 3G but pre-4G)which did not meet requirements for 4G also called IMT Advanced as defined by the International Telecommunication Union such as peak data rates up to 1 Gbit/s.

Currently - supporters of LTE have submitted new technology , upgraded version of LTE Advanced for evaluation as 4G. And, if that passes - Verizon will be making history in 4G introduction on large scale beating competitors.

Sprint (and ClearWire) WiMax is supposed to 3.7G / 3.8G - signal goes only for one mile , low penetration power but gives good speed.

AT&T and T-Mobile have currently upgraded software platforms on current 3G antenna using HSPA+ technology - gives good speed. Both carriers currently have only 3G technology.

Today's marketing for 4G is completely based on Speed rate: User will move on carriers which will provide good speed. Sprint and Verizon are ahead of technology but AT&T and T-Mobile started providing good speed using 3G upgrade in order to avoid losing customers and advertising good speed as 4G technology.

If you find Verizon and Sprint 4G expensive than AT&T and T-Mobile 4G (actually 3G with upgrades) only because Verizon and Sprint are trying to get their money back invested in new technologies; makes sense from business perspective.

Support to LTE:
AT&T has confirmed to move for LTE in mid 2011 and T-Mobile in end 2011. No other carrier is supporting WiMax, so its looks like LTE is here to stay and be a FUTURE technology.

User (aka mine)perspective: whichever gives me good speed with reliable communication and cheaper bill - I want that; fuck with technology.

[SneakyCancer]

i have friends on sprints 4g network and they stopped surfing porn on their home pcs. said it is so much easier to do it on fone because pages are already pulled up. quick access and live streams with no hiccups. LTE is supposed to be the next level. Voice and data to be used simultaneously like ATT already uses with GSM network.

but if you dont have 4g phone....not then you will not see the difference.

[Meoauniaea]

Originally Posted by Boltfan

Actually you are incorrect. Voice is 2G and on a different network. Data is on 3G and now 4G as well. Verizon has ample bandwidth to support substantial growth on their 4G network, just as they do to support substantial growth of 3G as well.

Sprint and Verizon use EVDO revision b. They have two separate channels. One for voice and one for data. You can only use one at a time. If the voice was on 2g, it would be using the 1xRTT variant of CDMA, which would allow simultaneous voice and data.