4G Rollout

4G has been around for over a year now, and unfortunately is still stretched far and few between, with only a few towers present in the US.

Sprint began the 4G wave with its WiMAX network in early 2010, and being the first to do so, attached the phrase "The Nation's first 4G network" onto its name. Soon after, Verizon Wireless began to start their 4G services, but using different technology, referred to as "LTE" (Long Term Evolution). AT&T and T-Mobile also have a similar 4G service, but once again, it uses a different technology, HSPA+; both companies simply upgraded their current networks from 3G and slapped on the 4G label.

What actually classifies as 4G? According to the International Telecommunication Union, only LTE-Advanced, and WiMAX 2 networks would be capable of the 100mbit/sec output...and these networks won't be availiable until about 2014.

Sprint has finally given in to the LTE wave, and is planning to cover 120 US markets. This will mean Sprint will be responisble for managing two 4G networks, with WiMAX still not being available in some states, including Iowa.

What this means for current phones on Sprint's WiMAX 4G network is uncertain, as they probably won't be compatible on the new LTE network. In turn, phone favorites such as the EVO 4G and Epic 4G will be rendered useless on the new system, and will be restricted to using only 3G and Wi-Fi unless Sprint decides to have mercy on the midwest.