3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

I just did some speed tests, and then was researching ELTE speed test results and came across this little oddity; some people are getting faster 3G speeds with CDMA/LTE mode on instead of CDMA only. If it is true it could explain why Sprint shipped it with LTE on by default instead of CDMA only like (I heard) the Galaxy Nexus comes shipped.

I saw on the Web the improved performance is due to usage of "eHRPD" which I won't begin to pretend to understand lol.

One person over at Sprint 4G roll out forum (http://s4gru.com/index.php?/topic/66.../page__st__600) had this theory:

"eHRPD uses the same airlink and backhaul as EV-DO but uses the LTE core network instead of the EV-DO core network. If the airlink and backhaul are the same but eHRPD produces significantly higher data speeds than does EV-DO, then the LTE or EV-DO core network is the primary independent variable, hence likely responsible for the observed differences."

Again, I don't really know how all this works but was curious about you guy's experience/knowledge.

Below are my depressing speed tests, the result at the bottom and top 2 are CDMA only. The 3 in the middle or CDMA/LTE.



Positive Vibrations

Here is a link to a topic i started... You can use it to see if any of the towers near you have already or will soon be upgraded.... I found one about 2 miles from my house. I got about 2mb down.

http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=150370


Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

I tried running some download speeds in both modes and didn't see any difference, but did notice that I'm getting better 3G speeds than I've ever seen before. Here are my results that I posted in jimmiekain's "How to find Sprint Towers" thread:

I just ran 6 tests while sitting here at work in Orlando (Sandlake Road/Florida Mall area) and got the highest 3G speeds I've ever seen.

First three were CDMA only:
kb up/ kb down
2283/694
1933/732
2185/795

Next three were LTE/CDMA:

kb up/ kb down
2299/762
2208/738
1746/806

In the past, I would get download speeds between 700kb-1500kb. This is with about 5 out of 6 bars for signal strength. It looks like some improvements have been made around here. I'll try to test 3G in other parts of Orlando and see if I also notice improvements.

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

I read on a post that Sprint LTE will still be slower than others like Verizon or ATT LTE.

Is this true?

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

Well I just google it and sad to say it is true. But Sprint still has lower price compare to others.

Exclusive: Testing Sprint's New 4G LTE Network | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

PCMag tested the LTE in Atlanta last week. Does that mean it is coming this month? Its time for me to shop for a Evo 4G LTE.

But slow is still better than dial up modem or 3G speed.

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

@chong67 Sprint said it would launch in the middle of 2012... July 1 official starts the end of the middle. My guess (and hope) is they will flip the switch in the next couple of days and a few cities here and there will have LTE.

I would think if there is any difference it must only be in select markets where Sprint has been working on Network Vision and enabled this eHRPD functionality... Idk but yeah wow wish I was getting those speeds.

Positive Vibrations

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

I think I ask this before so I ask to confirm, you cant use 4G on LTE right?

Someone said this:

The phone does not include a WiMax radio to utilize Sprint's previous "4G" technology, so essentially you're stuck on 3G until Sprint's network starts rolling out next year.

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

when u say 4G I assume u mean wimax....no, the ELTE has no wimax....btw, LTE is 4G too

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

I see. So the LTE is in 3G until LTE is turn on? For those not in the 4 cities, it is not a good idea at all to get the LTE.

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

@chong67

From my understanding if the LTE radio is turned on it will always search for the LTE signal especially since there probably isn't one around it will be searching all the time thus running the battery down. For the moment LTE is only in Atlanta. hard to believe they would select ATL first, they should've gone with NYC,LA, and CHI first. As for the topic of this thread doesn't seem like it makes a big difference, the whole garbage in garbage out concept should be applied.

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

Of course. I remember when I stay at my parent house far out in the country, my 3D phone ran out of juice because its at 1x and roaming n roaming. Then in this case why should Sprint be selling LTE phone right now?

I really dont know how Sprint pick those 4 cities. ATL is not as widespread compare to Houston and LA. Widespread = sprawling

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

1X is basically totally useless,especially with how overloaded their network is. They probably picked ATL because it's a big commerce city but still. My bet stands that T-mobile will get LTE out over a large portion of it's population before sprint does.

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

They could have pick NYC. Just put the antenna on top of the Twin Towers and thats it.

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

Who knows but you live in Atlanta so the LTE would be a worthwhile phone for you.

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

i would think that the selection of first cities will usually be tied to the least costly to get online with the new technologies. My guess is the ATL network they have is probably the easiest and quickest to get some kind of decent sized LTE footprint up and rolling. Work some kinks out on moderate size base and then launch in biggest return to cost markets next. A lot of backhaul fiber building going on in these cities right now for all carriers almost.

Not that it is worth much but had to activate an EVO LTE yesterday and they told me that they are shooting for 7/15 in cities like Dallas

@ Chong, on top of the Twin Towers? Really? The Twin Towers have been gone over 10yrs... Remember... Airplanes, Terrorists, conspiracys...

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

I was just wondering the same???? lol. Well i see that its rolling out in more places as of today. on a side note, anyone on or around the east coast seeing data loss? (i have voice but no internet)

Re: 3G Speeds CDMA Only vs CDMA/LTE
 

LTE is already turn on some tower and its spotty. Users have reported it and screenshot seen today.