[guitardoc64]

Originally Posted by boredandtattooed

just fueling the rumor mill
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The implementation of multimode technology throughout the Sprint network is designed to:

• Enhance service – Improve quality and data speed; improve in-building coverage and coverage within the network footprint
• Create network flexibility – Ensure the most effective expansion of 4G
• Reduce operating costs by delivering capital efficiency, lease reductions, roaming savings and backhaul efficiencies
• Improve environmental sustainability by reducing carbon footprint and energy consumption needs

In addition to implementing multimode base stations, the Sprint Network Vision plan encompasses next-generation push-to-talk (PTT) with broadband capabilities and the integration of multimode chipsets into smartphones, tablets and other broadband devices, including machine-to-machine (M2M) capabilities.
Through spectrum efficiencies associated with Network Vision, Sprint intends to repurpose some of its 800MHz spectrum for CDMA service, thereby enhancing coverage, particularly the in-building experience for customers. Augmenting its 1.9GHz footprint with 800MHz, Sprint expects its CDMA coverage density will increase throughout the country. More density generally equates to fewer dropped calls and a more seamless network experience for customers. According to a 2010 PCWorld 13-city, 3G drive test, Sprint had the most reliable network. The Network Vision plan expects to enhance that competitive position.
“This is a very bold move,” said Berge Ayvazian, senior consultant, Heavy Reading. “Sprint was first with an all-digital wireless network; the first to upgrade to EVDO; and, more recently, the first to broadly offer 4G services. Sprint is once again first to deploy a common converged mobile network that will strengthen its 3G services; enhance its 4G technology options; and continue delivering the industry’s leading push-to-talk offering.”
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it would honestly be nice if something like this was included in whatevers going to happen on the 7th... sprint dropping upgrades for probablly 50% of the premier customers and adding $10 to all smartphones.... gotta give us something if your expecting us to pay more without complaining..

edit- if you look at the last part - 1st all digital, 1st evdo, 1st(us) 4g.... and sprints theme for upcoming event is "an industry first"...... never know

Originally Posted by boredandtattooed

i mean your probably right.... but lets think about your statement.... when your area was building 4G, did you Sprint/Clear trucks all over or something??? otherwise some might say EVERY 4G network has been built in secret.... people ask, "whens my area getting 4G?" and then all of the sudden it like a light switch, you now have 4G, but had no clue it was being built under their noses.........isnt that a "secret network upgrade???"

Originally Posted by BlackDynamite

It didn't happen like that...

I saw Clear trucks here and there. Not all over, but I saw them here and there driving around.

But more importantly, Clearwire had been advertising jobs in the area. And anonymous employees were posting on the net when they thought it would be done. And I was also getting spotty 4G coverage here and there for a while before it was officially launched in my area.

I don't think 4G caught anyone totally by surprise if they cared enough to pay attention.

On the contrary, none of that stuff has happened yet for their network modernization project. My 3G speeds are as slow as ever. My indoor coverage is as bad as ever. The coverage holes are all still there too. I haven't seen any Sprint employees claim this was underway (they are all saying this announcement will be a device). Also, a huge part of their network modernization project that you guys are talking about is Sprint turning off iDEN. Those towers (and that spectrum) will be reallocated under their plan. And if iDEN was already getting shut down, it would definitely not be a big secret.

I know, lots of quoting. I will be interested to see what develops. I personally think Blaine is gonna pop out with an iPad in hand and an iPhone in his pocket.
My recent conversations with "Advanced customer support" have told me nothing other than "we can't waive the fee" "it's to pay for the expansion" which is a clue that might be related to boredandtattooed's post. Still, they cant tell me when my area will go 3G/EVDO. I countered with the question "There has to be some sort of planning to this expansion and some sort of timeframe. They can't just have some guys throwing darts at a map and saying ok, they are next." I really hope that it's about something big, like a total Sprint 4G or something llike that. I have my doubts. I have been in Sprint's new 3G in the eastern part of Louisiana, and even there the speeds were often as slow as the best I get on 1X. Just because they have the network set up all over doesn't mean that it can deliver in my real-world experience. I'd be happier if it was an end to the 0.9 KBS that I'm dealing with, but the way that Sprint has handled my questions and complaints has been uniformly poor. They act as if I should be happy with crap data speeds just because I have great voice service, which I do. In 6 years I have had 3 or 4 dropped calls. Pretty good track record for that. Still their customer service leaves a lot to be desired. I have been flat-out lied to at least 5 times regarding the 3G as to when, starting last May, when they told me that I would have 3G soon after I upgraded. I'll wait till the Feb 7 announcement to see what it's all about, then make my final decision whether to ride it out with Sprint, or go to T-mo.