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I've been a Sprint user for at least 10 years. (Not 10 year member because of a break or two due to SERO nonsense.)
The suckiness that is Sprint 4G is making me considering moving to Verizon. I live in a good 4G area based on the signal strength I see. But in the area around my home, I speed test 3 MB/s down max. Maybe 4.5 MB elsewhere if I am lucky. I see people on the boards seeing 7.5 MB. I don't know where they live but that's not my experience.
I try to look up my wireless usage stats on my Sprint account. There is a line for 4G but the number is basically zero (32kb). Is Sprint not showing 4G usage at all or is it counted with the 3G number?
I'm seeing 3G usage last month of almost 600 mb. I'm guessing that if 4G is not counted that could be double or triple, but still under 2Gb. I'm not a heavy broadband user. I mostly look up web information and do social networking on the go. Those things are not multimedia intensive.
I'd love to improve the 4G experience and stay with Sprint. But I doubt the situation will be fixed anytime soon.
Before any discounts, the equivalent Verizon plan with 450 Anytime, unlimited texting, and 2GB data = $40+$20+$30 = $90 or $10 more than sprint's 450.
Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks.
You could buy my thunderbolt and take over my contract. $69 unlimited everything except 450 minutes.
4G is a luxury item and ALL the networks have issues.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Also, how many people here really use the speed of 4G only on their phones anyway? Sure it is nice to have and nice to be able to use data and voice at the same time... But Sprint could have fixed that with their current network but didn't. but anyway.... who cares. I'm bored! Who wanta be my gf. you gotta be hot between 18-27 closer to 18 the better. and virgin is a plus. LMAO!!!!!!!
I really don't use 4G, I have WIFI at work and at home 3G is good enough to do the light browsing I do on the go, I only use 4G to tether my laptop and if I'm doing that I'm usually out and about in an area where 4G is available and free WIFI isn't... which is rare.
I actually use my 4G all day long at work and at home if I'm goin out it depends on where I'm at but most likely I'll grab a 4G connection real short but just enough just to show somebody something and what not but Southern California or well Orange County area Anaheim to be exact a lot of its covered that's messed up Sprint isn't spreadin out to you guys fast enough for 4G at least
Spectacles, Testicles, Wallet & Watch,
evO²·³·³ *ROOTED*
EVOlvedROM r3chargeD RC1
DiRtY POoNSeNSe 2.3.3-1
V6 SuperCharged like OMGee
I have watched LTE knock down 20mb dl speeds and It's blazing fast. I am w Sprint and in a 4G test area...thank god for WiFi at home or I would have went back to Verizon. Sure the plan is cheaper but also the network. Where I live the base I work at has a deal w Verizon...so I have spotty data coverage everywhere. I was running deck ROM and used the affiliate network setting when I needed data and could roam 3g at 2mb dl speeds and it was plenty fast for being out and about but Sprint has a 300mb roaming limit. Pretty lame. I would rather them up there complete network rather than pour out some more pretty useless 4G networks for me...hopefully they will change my mind...I remember having my Droid and having data everywhere I went. It was amazing. My EVO is the best phone I have ever owned but is being crippled. Once again...thank you WiFi!
Why do u need 20mbits ina phone
6 is more than enough
I can do everything I want/need with my phone getting 300k on Sprints "3g".
Including streaming music, surf web, etc
As "cool" as having 20mbit on my phone.....or even 6mbit is....its not necessary.
Eventually? Of course.
But its not now.
mattykinsx said:
I can do everything I want/need with my phone getting 300k on Sprints "3g".
Including streaming music, surf web, etc
As "cool" as having 20mbit on my phone.....or even 6mbit is....its not necessary.
Eventually? Of course.
But its not now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok Matty, you are obviously a sprint fanboy buy seriously. You rail about the importance of unlimited data and then claim that you only need enough bandwidth to stream Pandora.
newter55 said:
Ok Matty, you are obviously a sprint fanboy buy seriously. You rail about the importance of unlimited data and then claim that you only need enough bandwidth to stream Pandora.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love name calling on these forums.
It's all people do anymore.
All I said was that speed is only important to a point, for normal phone usage.
There's really no need for a phone to have 6 + mbit/s bandwidth.
I'm not sure what that has to do with cap limits? I still want the ability to use more than 2GB of data without getting overages.
I love when people try to redirect what I say.
Even netflix can run just fine with 1mbit/s..maybe even lower.
There's no need for 20mbit/s [or even 6mbit/s] for phones...yet.
mattykinsx said:
I love name calling on these forums.
It's all people do anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I've noticed that and I've only been here a month or 2
Spectacles, Testicles, Wallet & Watch,
evO²·³·³ *ROOTED*
EVOlvedROM r3chargeD RC1
DiRtY POoNSeNSe 2.3.3-1
V6 SuperCharged like OMGee
I use the phone a lot on the go, around town. 3Mb/s is generous. Sometimes I test 1.5 Mb/s or less. A lot of times it's on 3G.
It's not about having brute speed, say 6+ Mb/s, for minutes or hours. When you need the phone to look up something on Facebook or the web, you want it to work right then and fast. It might only take a few seconds. But if the network is sucky or unreliable, then that few seconds becomes a minute or two.
My complaint is the network consistency. I always have voice but data is spotty where i work. The only reason I am w Sprint is the price. I'm a cheap ass. Sprint is the best network for my cheap needs. But trying to grow another 4G LTE from Sprint when they still have coverage issues seems redundant. Maybe they will amaze me and start expanding but if the would just focus on Peking a consistent 1mb + 3g speeds nationwide they could have sooooo many more happy campers. 4G is nice when you are on it but as everyone has stated it does use more power. Why not optimize what's currently available. If they can't get the right how can they ever get the rest of it right. I agree, if you are in a great Sprint area then you have these speeds but it is not like that everywhere. Verizon expanded. Sprint is now playing the "i have this game" and Verizon already covered as much as they could. I'm not a Verizon fanboy, I am however speaking facts. If everywhere you went Sprint had great data in 3g, wouldn't you as a customer be happier. I never roamed w Verizon. Never worried about my monthley roaming. I am a fan of the high end phones Sprint offers but am not sure if thats going to be enough a year from now if I still have the exact same coverage I have had for the last 2 years w them. It seems worth it to pay more for better service. That's the only reason Sprint is cheaper currently. They can't charge what a larger provider can because they can't compete directly based on network coverage alone.
I definitely would... Sprint has no 4G at all in Kentucky and I have seen nothing on them even building towers. I am tired of paying the extra $10.00/month for their 4G and not having it even close to me.
i spent the last 8 years on Verizon, and I will never leave sprint due to 4G speeds simply because of the money i have saved. The only thing I use 4G for is downloading ROMS, watching netflix in my car with bluetooth surround (in sales), and youtube. The 4G speeds are more than fast enough to accomplish these tasks.
stkiswr said:
My complaint is the network consistency. I always have voice but data is spotty where i work. The only reason I am w Sprint is the price. I'm a cheap ass. Sprint is the best network for my cheap needs. But trying to grow another 4G LTE from Sprint when they still have coverage issues seems redundant. Maybe they will amaze me and start expanding but if the would just focus on Peking a consistent 1mb + 3g speeds nationwide they could have sooooo many more happy campers. 4G is nice when you are on it but as everyone has stated it does use more power. Why not optimize what's currently available. If they can't get the right how can they ever get the rest of it right. I agree, if you are in a great Sprint area then you have these speeds but it is not like that everywhere. Verizon expanded. Sprint is now playing the "i have this game" and Verizon already covered as much as they could. I'm not a Verizon fanboy, I am however speaking facts. If everywhere you went Sprint had great data in 3g, wouldn't you as a customer be happier. I never roamed w Verizon. Never worried about my monthley roaming. I am a fan of the high end phones Sprint offers but am not sure if thats going to be enough a year from now if I still have the exact same coverage I have had for the last 2 years w them. It seems worth it to pay more for better service. That's the only reason Sprint is cheaper currently. They can't charge what a larger provider can because they can't compete directly based on network coverage alone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for putting in better words what I was trying to express. The issue is consistency. I should have framed the issue better. I don't need the data network to be blazing fast, I need it to be consistent. I would be happy with a network that I can connect from reasonably anywhere in my town at decent speeds consistently.
I guess you can call me cheap too. But looking at my usage, I would be comfortable under a 2Gb cap. $10 more on Verizon buys a better network. If easily go over 2Gb or 5Gb, you would stay with Sprint.
churro7 said:
Why do u need 20mbits ina phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you can max out your 2GB data plan in a minute and a half.
I currently have the droid bionic with a iPhone as my back up. Is it worth me switching to sprint to pick up the Epic touch? How's the battery life and reception with sprint compared to VZW? Right now with juice defender I get about a consistent 20 hrs actually using my phone.
Verizons network is better as far as data speeds go. I don't think it's worth the switch for just a device.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
Depends on where you are and where you tend to travel to.
I get 2-2.5Mb 3G speeds with Sprint (250 - 300KBytes/s) at home and and work. I also get 1-1.5Mb 3G in the middle of the forest up in northern Wisconsin. All with a lowly Moment.
There is an active 4G tower where I work (according to a friend's Evo) despite it not being on the coverage map.
On the other hand, if you are stuck anywhere where Verizon has the only network, you will have crappy data speeds because Verizon refuses to allow anything more than 1x roaming to Sprint customers. This also applies if you are on the edge of a Sprint tower... Sprint tends to want to keep you connected to a Sprint signal, regardless of its strength. This can get frustrating at times.
If you do go with Sprint, the first app you should download and pay for is Roam Control.
That all depends on your needs...
Sprint's voice and data plans are much cheaper and 4g data is unlimited. 3g is limited to 5gb per month.
If you do need coverage in remote areas, check Sprint's coverage maps and see if there is signal where you need it.
http://coverage.sprint.com/IMPACT.jsp
If you dont use much data and want to spend more to get faster speeds while paying more for voice as well, Verizon is the way to go. I would only hang with Verizon if coverage is an issue.
I had Verizon for many years and switched to Sprint in 2006. I've never regretted making the change.
-logik- said:
That all depends on your needs...
Sprint's voice and data plans are much cheaper and 4g data is unlimited. 3g is limited to 5gb per month.
If you do need coverage in remote areas, check Sprint's coverage maps and see if there is signal where you need it.
http://coverage.sprint.com/IMPACT.jsp
If you dont use much data and want to spend more to get faster speeds while paying more for voice as well, Verizon is the way to go. I would only hang with Verizon if coverage is an issue.
I had Verizon for many years and switched to Sprint in 2006. I've never regretted making the change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint doesn't cap data at 5GB for mobile phones. Only on their usb cards.
eakrish said:
I currently have the droid bionic with a iPhone as my back up. Is it worth me switching to sprint to pick up the Epic touch? How's the battery life and reception with sprint compared to VZW? Right now with juice defender I get about a consistent 20 hrs actually using my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pick your provider FIRST, then pick your device.
As stated be sure to not just check a coverage map but to check with friends and coworkers who have Sprint and live/commute/work in your area.
I've traveled the country a little and I have never been without Sprint coverage except in two tiny holes in my home town...where not a single provider has anything but threshold levels of service out doors, indoors you get squat from any of them. These "holes", however, can be deal breakers if you happen to live and/or work in them. Coverage maps help, a little, but asking people (and looking at their signal meters) is far more precise.
As far as data speed is concerned it's a mixed bag. I came from a line of HTC devices where changing the PRL on-the-go was simple so I used the "00001.prl" a lot. This PRL, essentially, puts you on Verizon's towers, full speed 3G. I can honestly say that while Verizon's speeds tend to be far more consistent than Sprint's that even though I had the chance to get out of Sprint this month (for free) that instead of going to Big Red I used that to upgrade to the Epic Touch without hesitation...The data speeds can drag-ass in a highly congested area at times but unless it's lunch time in a 1-bar area I don't tend to dip below 500kbps and if it is later in the day (or evening) and/or in a sparsely populated area (or higher-income area, draw your own conclusions) I have seen as high as 2.7mbps...my friend lives in a low-population high income area and he may be the only Sprint subscriber for miles, lol, and they get 2.5~2.7mbps all day every day. There are also times/places where Sprint's 3G speed absolutely spanks Verizon's.
...as far as 4G goes it can be blazing fast but you probably won't ever get the signal indoors unless you are in a 4G saturated metropolitan environment. I hear lots of complaints about 4G speed but when I get connected it's always faster than my home internet (6mbps, the most you can get from residential ATT DSL around here), I have seen 15mbps too.
As far as price is concerned Sprint wins hands down especially if you consider the unlimited data and free roaming. Voice roaming is unlimited. There is a "soft" limit of 3G roaming at 300mb, but, that is a floating line. If you aren't usually roaming but happen to travel somewhere that you are forced to roam at worst they will call or send you a letter telling you that if you do it again your contract may be terminated. But as long as it doesn't happen at work or at home they are mostly forgiving...and if not? That's a free out on your contract and now you have a $500-$700 (retail) phone for trade-up or resale to go back to Verizon.
EDIT: Oh yeah, battery life. It's killer. Very very killer compared to a Moment, Hero, Evo 4G and Evo 3D this thing slaughters them all. It's hard to say since I have been using my phone more than breathing these past 2 days, but, considering that I'm very impressed....*very* impressed.
I agree with most everyone here take a look and see what you are using and what you need. make sure you have coverage at home and work and other places you visit regularly. if it works out for you make the switch. You can save alot of money with Sprint depending on your needs and they have a great selection of phones, I just the the GSII and it is awesome about 50% faster then the evo3d it just flies. but all of that power doesn't mean anything if you can't get signal.
I just switched from Verizon because I wanted the GS2 really bad.
I live in Seattle and Sprint has good coverage here so I'm pretty happy. (i've had Sprint in the past as well)
You can always switch and test drive Sprint for 14 days (or maybe it's 30) and if you don't like it, return to Verizon. No big deal.
PS: I had the Droid Bionic for a few days before switching to Sprint. Honestly, I think the GS2 is simply better in every way. That's just my opinion. Couldn't deal with the Pentile display and the camera was quite a disappointment.
If the service is good in the area then go for it. Of not I wouldn't change. If I could do it all over again I would have switched to vz before they started the data caps.
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk
I switched about 6 years ago and never looked back. I had voice and data with them for over 10 years, back in the Bell Mobile days. They kicked me off of a BroadbandAccess for using too much data claiming I HAD to have violated the ToS (P2P, video streaming, web hosting) by using over 5GB in a month. Really, that is only 150MB a day and that goes very quickly with just web and e-mail if you use it daily. I work on the road a LOT so naturally, I went over this regularly. I had to explain what I do and that I did NOT violate the ToS, which said NOTHING about 5GB. I didn't do any of the activities it stated. This was back when everything was unlimited with no fine print. They didn't charge an ETF and asked if I wanted to reactivate the account. I declined and moved to Sprint and eventually took voice too. Have been very happy since.
I still consider Sprint to be the best value in wireless. It always seemed that VZW nickle and dime'd me to death. My bill fluctuated month to month by $20 with no changes in service and additional fees. Just "taxes". They charged for web order shipping, activation, and everything they could have.
I forgot to mention I have unlimited data
Bigjim1488 said:
If the service is good in the area then go for it. Of not I wouldn't change. If I could do it all over again I would have switched to vz before they started the data caps.
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't have switched. As stated below I was on them with true unlimited before they started the caps. Then they terminated the account and offered to reactivate, probably to instate a cap on me. I suspect the same would have happened to you.
When I switched data to Sprint, I asked if they had unlimited data and bandwidth, and got multiple confirmations (with chat transcripts) that it was 100% unlimited. They introduced the 5GB limit a year or two later. And, since I haven't renewed the contract or accepted any new modems on that line, it today is still unlimited and I use 8-10GB (sometimes more) monthly. They've called and tried to get me to renew, which would activate 4G but put a cap on 3G... and I've declined. Until 4G is everywhere I need on the road, I can't do it.
Phones are still unlimited, so I wonder if a cheap phone to tether with an unlimited plan is worth it for tethering only?? Just a thought.
I don't need a phone to tether, just need a bad ass phone that looks great, feels super fast and has great battery life. I also want a great looking display and widgets that are good for social media.
daneurysm said:
Pick your provider FIRST, then pick your device.
As stated be sure to not just check a coverage map but to check with friends and coworkers who have Sprint and live/commute/work in your area.
I've traveled the country a little and I have never been without Sprint coverage except in two tiny holes in my home town...where not a single provider has anything but threshold levels of service out doors, indoors you get squat from any of them. These "holes", however, can be deal breakers if you happen to live and/or work in them. Coverage maps help, a little, but asking people (and looking at their signal meters) is far more precise.
As far as data speed is concerned it's a mixed bag. I came from a line of HTC devices where changing the PRL on-the-go was simple so I used the "00001.prl" a lot. This PRL, essentially, puts you on Verizon's towers, full speed 3G. I can honestly say that while Verizon's speeds tend to be far more consistent than Sprint's that even though I had the chance to get out of Sprint this month (for free) that instead of going to Big Red I used that to upgrade to the Epic Touch without hesitation...The data speeds can drag-ass in a highly congested area at times but unless it's lunch time in a 1-bar area I don't tend to dip below 500kbps and if it is later in the day (or evening) and/or in a sparsely populated area (or higher-income area, draw your own conclusions) I have seen as high as 2.7mbps...my friend lives in a low-population high income area and he may be the only Sprint subscriber for miles, lol, and they get 2.5~2.7mbps all day every day. There are also times/places where Sprint's 3G speed absolutely spanks Verizon's.
...as far as 4G goes it can be blazing fast but you probably won't ever get the signal indoors unless you are in a 4G saturated metropolitan environment. I hear lots of complaints about 4G speed but when I get connected it's always faster than my home internet (6mbps, the most you can get from residential ATT DSL around here), I have seen 15mbps too.
As far as price is concerned Sprint wins hands down especially if you consider the unlimited data and free roaming. Voice roaming is unlimited. There is a "soft" limit of 3G roaming at 300mb, but, that is a floating line. If you aren't usually roaming but happen to travel somewhere that you are forced to roam at worst they will call or send you a letter telling you that if you do it again your contract may be terminated. But as long as it doesn't happen at work or at home they are mostly forgiving...and if not? That's a free out on your contract and now you have a $500-$700 (retail) phone for trade-up or resale to go back to Verizon.
EDIT: Oh yeah, battery life. It's killer. Very very killer compared to a Moment, Hero, Evo 4G and Evo 3D this thing slaughters them all. It's hard to say since I have been using my phone more than breathing these past 2 days, but, considering that I'm very impressed....*very* impressed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint does NOT offer unlimited roaming.....I found this out while traveling to Florida in August. When I got done with explaining the Ambiguity in their false claims it has now since changed from unlimited roaming to unlimitting roaming on their network. They are such good corporate game players(liars).
Misleading people is what I don't agree with, but they are the cheapest game in town and suffice "if" you can get a signal. That said you get 800 minutes of roaming on their unlimited plan, and what ever your land line minutes are on their lower plans is the amount of roaming you will have before you have to PAY overages. If the overages happen too much they void your contract after making you aware that their is no unlimited. Now before any one starts debating this look at the advertisements and if that doesn't clue you in call and ask what I said.
They advertised unlimited roaming until I got done with them. They had a little fine print in the back of that agreement letting unsuspecting people that went over know that there was no unlimited roaming. Then they try to collect money for it. But, I let them know that ambiguity in contract law goes to the consumer, and that we can all void our contracts based on this lil tidbit of a lie, because many of us joined because of the roaming plan when we lose their coverage, and since it was a hoax the contract was null and void. They have now changed it to read unlimited roaming on their network only. How can you roam on the very network that you reside.
eakrish said:
I currently have the droid bionic with a iPhone as my back up. Is it worth me switching to sprint to pick up the Epic touch? How's the battery life and reception with sprint compared to VZW? Right now with juice defender I get about a consistent 20 hrs actually using my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
QWIKSTRIKE said:
Sprint does NOT offer unlimited roaming.....I found this out while traveling to Florida in August. When I got done with explaining the Ambiguity in their false claims it has now since changed from unlimited roaming to unlimitting roaming on their network. They are such good corporate game players(liars).
Misleading people is what I don't agree with, but they are the cheapest game in town and suffice "if" you can get a signal. That said you get 800 minutes of roaming on their unlimited plan, and what ever your land line minutes are on their lower plans is the amount of roaming you will have before you have to PAY overages. If the overages happen too much they void your contract after making you aware that their is no unlimited. Now before any one starts debating this look at the advertisements and if that doesn't clue you in call and ask what I said.
They advertised unlimited roaming until I got done with them. They had a little fine print in the back of that agreement letting unsuspecting people that went over know that there was no unlimited roaming. Then they try to collect money for it. But, I let them know that ambiguity in contract law goes to the consumer, and that we can all void our contracts based on this lil tidbit of a lie, because many of us joined because of the roaming plan when we lose their coverage, and since it was a hoax the contract was null and void. They have now changed it to read unlimited roaming on their network only. How can you roam on the very network that you reside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Roaming on their network!? I'm trying really hard to find some way to make sense out of that... my legalese-to-english converter is usually pretty good but I just can't....wrap my....anything around that.
daneurysm said:
Pick your provider FIRST, then pick your device.
As stated be sure to not just check a coverage map but to check with friends and coworkers who have Sprint and live/commute/work in your area.
I've traveled the country a little and I have never been without Sprint coverage except in two tiny holes in my home town...where not a single provider has anything but threshold levels of service out doors, indoors you get squat from any of them. These "holes", however, can be deal breakers if you happen to live and/or work in them. Coverage maps help, a little, but asking people (and looking at their signal meters) is far more precise.
As far as data speed is concerned it's a mixed bag. I came from a line of HTC devices where changing the PRL on-the-go was simple so I used the "00001.prl" a lot. This PRL, essentially, puts you on Verizon's towers, full speed 3G. I can honestly say that while Verizon's speeds tend to be far more consistent than Sprint's that even though I had the chance to get out of Sprint this month (for free) that instead of going to Big Red I used that to upgrade to the Epic Touch without hesitation...The data speeds can drag-ass in a highly congested area at times but unless it's lunch time in a 1-bar area I don't tend to dip below 500kbps and if it is later in the day (or evening) and/or in a sparsely populated area (or higher-income area, draw your own conclusions) I have seen as high as 2.7mbps...my friend lives in a low-population high income area and he may be the only Sprint subscriber for miles, lol, and they get 2.5~2.7mbps all day every day. There are also times/places where Sprint's 3G speed absolutely spanks Verizon's.
...as far as 4G goes it can be blazing fast but you probably won't ever get the signal indoors unless you are in a 4G saturated metropolitan environment. I hear lots of complaints about 4G speed but when I get connected it's always faster than my home internet (6mbps, the most you can get from residential ATT DSL around here), I have seen 15mbps too.
As far as price is concerned Sprint wins hands down especially if you consider the unlimited data and free roaming. Voice roaming is unlimited. There is a "soft" limit of 3G roaming at 300mb, but, that is a floating line. If you aren't usually roaming but happen to travel somewhere that you are forced to roam at worst they will call or send you a letter telling you that if you do it again your contract may be terminated. But as long as it doesn't happen at work or at home they are mostly forgiving...and if not? That's a free out on your contract and now you have a $500-$700 (retail) phone for trade-up or resale to go back to Verizon.
EDIT: Oh yeah, battery life. It's killer. Very very killer compared to a Moment, Hero, Evo 4G and Evo 3D this thing slaughters them all. It's hard to say since I have been using my phone more than breathing these past 2 days, but, considering that I'm very impressed....*very* impressed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Carrier first. A phone shouldn't really be a reason to switch, although this phone is pretty awesome.
Sprint has been AWESOME in nearly all areas. They seem better than VZW for me in rural areas. I live in the middle of nowhere and have EXCELLENT EVDOrA signal.
---------- Post added at 03:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:35 PM ----------
eakrish said:
I don't need a phone to tether, just need a bad ass phone that looks great, feels super fast and has great battery life. I also want a great looking display and widgets that are good for social media.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon has plenty of phones in that department.. and nearly any Android phone would fill those needs. If you want the best Android phone available right now, this is it.
Also you may want to keep an eye out for the sprint network meeting October 7th. They are going to talk about this new thing called "network vision".
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I switched on Friday and I'm already starting to regret it - I haven't seen a 3G download speed higher than around 90kbps here. The phone is absolutely amazing on wifi and I love the device itself, but out around town it's pretty bad. I tried to download a 2MB or so app at a restaurant where I had a full 5 bars of signal last night and it was still trying to download 15+ minutes later because of how slow the actual download rate was. It's worse than a dial-up modem at time.
I wasn't even thinking about the unlimited data on VZW when I did it too - did I lose that now even if I do a winback?
TabsAZ said:
I switched on Friday and I'm already starting to regret it - I haven't seen a 3G download speed higher than around 90kbps here. The phone is absolutely amazing on wifi and I love the device itself, but out around town it's pretty bad. I tried to download a 2MB or so app at a restaurant where I had a full 5 bars of signal last night and it was still trying to download 15+ minutes later because of how slow the actual download rate was. It's worse than a dial-up modem at time.
I wasn't even thinking about the unlimited data on VZW when I did it too - did I lose that now even if I do a winback?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think they are doing something for the launch of the iPHONE. It was never this slow until recently. It had better go back to how it was or I will ditch their asses
TabsAZ said:
I switched on Friday and I'm already starting to regret it - I haven't seen a 3G download speed higher than around 90kbps here. The phone is absolutely amazing on wifi and I love the device itself, but out around town it's pretty bad. I tried to download a 2MB or so app at a restaurant where I had a full 5 bars of signal last night and it was still trying to download 15+ minutes later because of how slow the actual download rate was. It's worse than a dial-up modem at time.
I wasn't even thinking about the unlimited data on VZW when I did it too - did I lose that now even if I do a winback?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you investigate Sprint coverage before you switched? What is signal strength like? Are you metering 90 kbps with SpeedTest app, tethering, or a program like DU Meter?
I'm guessing your PRL is up to date..
I'd also make sure you don't have any background apps downloading stuff.
Also, are you saying 90 kilo-bytes per second or 90 kilo-bits per second. 90 kilo-bytes is almost 1Mbps, and is a low-side average for 3G. That could also vary by network congestion, etc.
90 kilo-bits sounds like 1xRTT and not EVDO.
I'd also check with other users, or try a mobile broadband card if you can.
You will lose unlimited from VZW if you go back, but like I posted earlier, I am surprised they didn't terminate you to get you on limited like they did me.
I just switched to sprint a few days ago and I am NOT satisfied! I FREAKING LOVE the Epic 4G Touch and it makes me happy to just unlock it and happier when my friends are like WOAH, that's a big phone, WOAH thats a nice screen WOAH its fast <3, but then they open up the facebook app and they're like ehh, this phone sucks. The problem is really with the network. That is atleast what I believe. I live in an area that doesn't have 4G, and NO companies have 4G out here, I was going to go with AT&T, but there was a problem with my credit or something, so I tried Verizon (wasnt really too interested) but they wanted me to fax in papers, then I tried sprint, worked out ALL ok , and I got like the best phone ever, but the 3G speeds make me cry, I just did a speed test and I got average of 15 kb/s down.. Not sure if there is an alternate radio I could use or something, or if other people have the issue, I have been thinking about going back and returning the phone and getting Verizon, but all of their good phones are more than $200 and I might end up owing sprint money. Ideas? Reflections?
We all know springs network sucks, thanks for reminding us (or at least me) that I'm stuck with this spotty network for 2 years...
Sent from my ET4G Galaxy S II using XDA Premium
You've been a member here for 2+ years, and you didn't research the Sprint network speed before going with them????
Well, the truth is, in most places their network speed sucks, so, if impressing your friends, and network speed is important to you, you will be sorely disappointed.
If you want the best phone, at the lowest prices, and don't give a damn about network speeds, then you are with the right provider.
wase4711 said:
You've been a member here for 2+ years, and you didn't research the Sprint network speed before going with them????
Well, the truth is, in most places their network speed sucks, so, if impressing your friends, and network speed is important to you, you will be sorely disappointed.
If you want the best phone, at the lowest prices, and don't give a damn about network speeds, then you are with the right provider.
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Click to collapse
Lol, yeah... I was just so excited to actually get signal because I had tmobile then moved to an area where there really wasnt any tmobile and I saw sprint had "3G" coverage went to the store and yeah... I'm kicking myself for not looking around on here. I know that the 4G is **decent** but I miss my damn T-Mobile 4G, it was pretty damn good. If I get enough money and can argue enough, I'm probably switching to verizon. So there might be an Epic 4G Touch for sale soon, and I will have ****ty credit
well, the phone is fantastic; for me, I could care less about network speeds. When I need fast internet, I use my home computer..
for email, phone calls, texting, etc, these sucky speeds are fine for me, but, if your phone is your only connection to the internet, Sprint is a tough pill to swallow..
I see, its not completely awful for me, I think that its mainly a few towers in my city that suck because I can get 100 kb/s down sometimes, but 15 kb/s is normal for me. I just have combined ADHD with Facebook addiction and I am just a web junkie, so it kills me sometimes lol.
do you have a home computer/faster internet at home, or is this it?
if you want hope sprint is ugrading their network. At least for me this summer - about october my speeds at my house and work and around the area i averaged 200-500 for speed but as of late my speeds have increased greatly and now i average 800-about 1mb and sometimes i can get up to 1.2-1.6 mbps after work hours. My signal strength has also increased and i am seeing 3-4 bars in my house where before i wasnt seeing more than 2. So sprint is working on it and at least for me i am seeing some improvments.
yeah, at least sprint is in the process of upgrading their network. You will see improved speeds in the next year or two.
If you have access to wifi, that may be an option. The Sprint data speed at my house is pretty low (.. 100K level). However, this phone can get up to 18Mb down via my wireless router through my cable.
zilla1000 said:
If you have access to wifi, that may be an option. The Sprint data speed at my house is pretty low (.. 100K level). However, this phone can get up to 18Mb down via my wireless router through my cable.
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True, however what about when your not home? The thing that really gets my goat is when I force roam onto Alltel or verizon and get 1mbit+ when on sprint it's usually ~100 kbit.... or worse :/
wase4711 said:
do you have a home computer/faster internet at home, or is this it?
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I have wifi at home, but wifi eats the battery and I dont like being plugged in all the time lol
asqwrd said:
if you want hope sprint is ugrading their network. At least for me this summer - , about october my speeds at my house and work and around the area i averaged 200-500 for speed but as of late my speeds have increased greatly and now i average 800-about 1mb and sometimes i can get up to 1.2-1.6 mbps after work hours. My signal strength has also increased and i am seeing 3-4 bars in my house where before i wasnt seeing more than 2. So sprint is working on it and at least for me i am seeing some improvments.
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Thats really good to hear! I hope those upgrades come in my direction! I hope they are realizing that everyone else has upgraded networks and the speeds are sorta competitive. Net speeds is a BIG make or break to me, and verizon is looking awfully good right now, the only problem is they have no SGS II, but Im about to go annoy the Droid Charge people on the forum
zilla1000 said:
If you have access to wifi, that may be an option. The Sprint data speed at my house is pretty low (.. 100K level). However, this phone can get up to 18Mb down via my wireless router through my cable.
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I agree, the wifi is great on the phone, but like before, it noms the battery juices
I have also noticed better 3g speeds. Long island NY.
Of course wifi is just silly fast on this phone, 4g areas are limited where I am but when working very fast.
The drawback to 4g IMO is the battery drain... silly fast when running, worse than wifi IMO and can't turn off when screen off...
Sent rapidly using my Samsung Galaxy S-II Epic™ 4g Touch |•XDA App•|
Jameson JC said:
I have also noticed better 3g speeds. Long island NY.
Of course wifi is just silly fast on this phone, 4g areas are limited where I am but when working very fast.
The drawback to 4g IMO is the battery drain... silly fast when running, worse than wifi IMO and can't turn off when screen off...
Sent rapidly using my Samsung Galaxy S-II Epic™ 4g Touch |•XDA App•|
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From my understanding, WiMAX isnt't too far from WiFi lol, I also think the WiMAX radio sleeps when there is no data being transmitted, so it kinda helps with battery drain. Ill take a better look this weekend, I travel about 2 hours from my house to visit family and there is 4G there and I LOVE it lol
undefined said:
I just switched to sprint a few days ago and I am NOT satisfied! I FREAKING LOVE the Epic 4G Touch and it makes me happy to just unlock it and happier when my friends are like WOAH, that's a big phone, WOAH thats a nice screen WOAH its fast <3, but then they open up the facebook app and they're like ehh, this phone sucks. The problem is really with the network. That is atleast what I believe. I live in an area that doesn't have 4G, and NO companies have 4G out here, I was going to go with AT&T, but there was a problem with my credit or something, so I tried Verizon (wasnt really too interested) but they wanted me to fax in papers, then I tried sprint, worked out ALL ok , and I got like the best phone ever, but the 3G speeds make me cry, I just did a speed test and I got average of 15 kb/s down.. Not sure if there is an alternate radio I could use or something, or if other people have the issue, I have been thinking about going back and returning the phone and getting Verizon, but all of their good phones are more than $200 and I might end up owing sprint money. Ideas? Reflections?
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You should either complain or ask for a refund.
nabbed said:
You should either complain or ask for a refund.
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Im really thinkig about it. I might just argue witu verizon and get that. I checked coverage at the college im going to and there is no sprint coverage there either but there is verizon coverage lol
Sent via Galaxy S II
I concur this phone is by far the best! But sprint 3g sucks and 4g is poor. But tmobile 4g is fast all time lte.speeds
..but sidekick 4g sucks so i left
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
undefined said:
From my understanding, WiMAX isnt't too far from WiFi lol, I also think the WiMAX radio sleeps when there is no data being transmitted, so it kinda helps with battery drain. Ill take a better look this weekend, I travel about 2 hours from my house to visit family and there is 4G there and I LOVE it lol
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My city is a 4G area, but coverage is pretty spotty (of course). So, on a whim, I decided to see how bad of a hit I would take leaving 4G on all the time. Over the past week so far, I can unplug around 8AM, go to work, and when I get back around 6PM, I'll have about 40% battery left (fairly light usage).
Note that in my office I have zero 4G signal (heck, even voice is pretty spotty), so pretty much from 8:30AM to 5:30PM it just sits there and searches for 4G. I'm guesstimating maybe 15-16 hours of battery life under these conditions (again fairly light usage).
When I'm actually connected to 4G, battery life is quite good from what I've seen. I think it could easily do 20+ hours with medium usage, if I could get an all-day-reliable signal (big if there).
Leaving 4G on with my old Epic would kill the battery in short order (I'm thinking maybe 8 hours), so the Epic Touch is a MAJOR improvement for me.
I was getting about 200Kb/S and I removed the sprint proxies from the ##DATA# and also switched my home agent to somewhere nearby. All of this got me to about 1200+ Kb/S. Give it a try, I feel like my phone is blazing fast in all aspects.
cd85233 said:
I was getting about 200Kb/S and I removed the sprint proxies from the ##DATA# and also switched my home agent to somewhere nearby. All of this got me to about 1200+ Kb/S. Give it a try, I feel like my phone is blazing fast in all aspects.
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Could you by any chance walk me through that? lol I looked around and didnt see any proxies or Home networks, I'm a CDMA noob =\
I don't even know what to say here. I have a Epic 4G Touch and the speeds suck.
I can barely use the 3G data services. Things simply do not load when I'm on 3G.
An average speed test for me is roughly 900~1000 Ping, 7~13kbps down and maybe 40~70kbps upload.
4G is fine but we only have 4G in ONE small area of the city. When I'm on 4G, I see like 10~12Mbit easy.
I use my phone for work. I need to be able to tether or load pages on the phone when I'm on the go and this just doesn't work for me.
Normally when I'm running these tests, I have 4 or 5 bars. I also work about 45 minutes from home and I experience these speeds in BOTH areas and everywhere in between.
Would calling Sprint and complaining be worth while? Any fixes?
kdoggy said:
Normally when I'm running these tests, I have 4 or 5 bars. I also work about 45 minutes from home and I experience these speeds in BOTH areas and everywhere in between.
Would calling Sprint and complaining be worth while? Any fixes?
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It is sad right?.....I been dealing with 50k-maybe break 100k for a long time in my area. That is just the way it is in "your area" at this time for 3G. Maybe when they start upgrading their tower things will get better. The reason I say it is their network "Area", is that I can go to San Antonio and 3g works great nice speed..etc., but every time I go back to my GF house in South Texas 4-5hrs away I can't break 100k download on 3g again that has been going on for 1yr or more.
There is a link floating around that will give you info on towers being upgraded.
I agree, in Chicago 3G speeds suck worse than my first internet computer in mid 1990's.
I have had the EVO 4G and now the Galaxy SII. Both get 50-75k/sec download. Searching web sites is insanely slow. YouTube is a joke buffering non stop.
4G. LOL. What a gimmick. Very spotty hard to hold a connection which always drops. And big baggy drainer. I never use 4G.
Sprint Galaxy S2 w/ Calk's 1.5a + ICS 1.6
Welcome to the club. I came from T-Mobile where I was enjoying download speeds that are 10x faster then I get now with Sprint's 3G.
4G in my area is not bad ~1MB/sec but I don't get it consistently..
3G upgrades are badly needed, the Sprint tower upgrade site says the towers in my area were already upgraded within the past 6 months, I'd hate to know what it was like before those upgrades..
Zorachus said:
I agree, in Chicago 3G speeds suck worse than my first internet computer in mid 1990's.
I have had the EVO 4G and now the Galaxy SII. Both get 50-75k/sec download. Searching web sites is insanely slow. YouTube is a joke buffering non stop.
4G. LOL. What a gimmick. Very spotty hard to hold a connection which always drops. And big baggy drainer. I never use 4G.
Sprint Galaxy S2 w/ Calk's 1.5a + ICS 1.6
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LOL, I visited Chicago for 4 days over Veteran's Day and thought to myself "Wow, these speeds are awesome!" I was getting >1 MBit on 3G and 5-8 MBit on 4G in the center of town.
I live in Vegas and thought Chicago was at least twice as fast as here...
I hear you!
I live in the SLC area of Utah and came from T-mobile. With T-mobile I could get 1-3MB with a low 3G signal on my Vibrant, now on Sprint I get much lower than that with full 3G bars and WiMax is a joke in UT still..
Memphis Tn and I am getting speeds like the OP is getting. I have tried three modems and they are all the same. I am hoping it is due to something with Sprint going on right now. Before this weekend I was getting some where near 900 down and 400 up going over 1000 at times. This is really BAD.
Yeah it does suck. We have such a nice phone but its pretty much all data driven. I don't even like to usr y phone unless I can connect to wifi cause 3g is so slow. Sprint needs to do something fast. I can't take it.
Sent From My Evo Killer!!!
kdoggy said:
I don't even know what to say here. I have a Epic 4G Touch and the speeds suck.
I can barely use the 3G data services. Things simply do not load when I'm on 3G.
An average speed test for me is roughly 900~1000 Ping, 7~13kbps down and maybe 40~70kbps upload.
4G is fine but we only have 4G in ONE small area of the city. When I'm on 4G, I see like 10~12Mbit easy.
I use my phone for work. I need to be able to tether or load pages on the phone when I'm on the go and this just doesn't work for me.
Normally when I'm running these tests, I have 4 or 5 bars. I also work about 45 minutes from home and I experience these speeds in BOTH areas and everywhere in between.
Would calling Sprint and complaining be worth while? Any fixes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might be the towers.
network.sprint.com
Guess what me too lol. The tower I use from my house is less than 50 kbits anytime of the day no matter how close I am. And thats 3g not 1x.. Even better they say theres no tower upgrades planned and the tower functions just fine
Yet, everyone else with sprint here has the same results.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Just ran a speed test.net from around Allentown, PA. 5 bars, ping 86ms, 958kbps down, 701kbps up. Fairly typical for this area, however no 4G here. Generally I've had pretty good luck with 3G.
3g and 4g in SoCal..
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I Get 2-3mbps on the down and 1-2mbps on the up here in Salem, NH and its a heavily populated area....Might just be your towers
I remember back when I was using an HTC Mogul and they first turned on EvDO Rev. A. I was getting maybe 600-800k/sec down and honestly that was fine. I would *still* be fine if I could get 600-800k down on 3g. The problem is that my speeds are now somewhere around 10-20k/sec down if speedtest.net is to be trusted. I broke my launch day Evo and upgraded to the e4gt about a week and a half ago. I hoped that would fix things but so far it's just as bad. I think the highest I've gotten on any speed test this past week is still under 50k/sec with more typical speeds around the 15-20k mark.
I just did a backup so I can restore this phone back to stock and stop by the Sprint store tonight. I'm curious as to their explanation. I'd also like to see if their demo units and personal units have this issue. Honestly if they can show me that it's a defective phone I will be thrilled because I am still in my 14 days and can have it swapped out. If it turns out to be a software bug endemic to the phone then I'm in a less pleasant spot. I could wait to see if the rumors of the new ICS build pan out and fix anything but by then I am past my 14-day window.
If I'm stuck waiting around for a newer phone down the line I might just have to suck it up and swap for an iPhone since I can sell it for more in 6-8 months. I just don't really want an iPhone. I use my girlfriend's and it's pretty well built but the screen is so tiny and I hate losing built in Google Talk, Nav, etc.
Freaking annoying.
I live in Aurora, CO and work in Broomfield, CO (approx 50 miles away). Between the two, I'm lucky if I'm able to get 350kbps down. Worst of all is the inconsistency. Connections drop constantly, making it impossible to stream music.
I remember when I first came to Sprint, I could stream music almost non-stop on my 700wx from the time I left my house till I got back home. Those days are loooooong gone.
I don't understand how Sprint stays in business with such a low speed 3G network. I also get VERY slow data in my area and was very close to leaving Sprint, but they offered me an airave, so I can now use my phone in my house. 90% of the time, the data speed is terrible anywhere I travel. I like to stream some music (foreign radios) on my way to and from work and it is terrible: constant buffering. I was tempted to switch to T-Mobile since they have great coverage in my area, still thinking about it...
Very frustrating!
Welcome to Sprint, the Now Our 3G is SCREWED Network.
I'm switching plans from T-Mobile in hopes that Sprints unlimited data will be able to serve as a home internet out in the middle of no where. Knightsen, CA if you have to ask.
With the 5GB of data not being enough and I can hit that in a matter of a few days of my average data use. Let alone I have the $30.00 prepaid plan now that gives me 100 minutes, unlimited text and data(lies imo).
I just would like a few questions answered before I finally make the switch:
Is this phone easy to root? Super One click?
Roms doing well? I'm using EaglesBlood with Faux123 kernal with the messed up battery readings that are driving me nuts sometimes but get alot of hard use out the phone.
I somewhat use the HDMI mirroring but the phone will go to my wife. Will I have any issues with the screen vs the G2x having some LCD bleeding?
All in all I just want this phone for unlimited calling now for work, unlimited data from home and just want a cheap phone with a low plan.
I was reading about having to pay for a hotspot plan but would I just need to root the phone to be able to turn it into a hotspot for free? Or would I have to use a app like this: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.USB&hl=en
if you pay for the hotspot your data is not unlimited. That is all I am going to tell you. The rest of the information you are looking for is here for you to read.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium
Paid hotspot is not unlimited, however the hacked hotspot that comes in many roms and mods is.
Easy enough to root, run the one-click-root and you're set.
Can't really comment on battery life/screen quality, as I've never seen the T-Mo variant to compare it to, but based on my own usage, there's no screen bleeding and the battery life is excellent, especially when compared to another 4G device
As a home internet connection do some investigation about sprint data speeds in your area. Most places aren't sufficient enough lol
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
bbedward said:
As a home internet connection do some investigation about sprint data speeds in your area. Most places aren't sufficient enough lol
Tmobiles is faster regardless if your covered.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
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Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
I live in San Jose, a few hours away from OP. There is pretty good 4G coverage here, which I tend to depend on since 3G is VERY slow.
I made the switch from T-Mo to Sprint the day the Epic Touch was released and be prepared for slow data speeds. On my Samsung Vibrant, I was averaging ~330KBps down on 3G (not even HSPA+ that they now have available), with Sprint I get about 50KBps down with 3G..
4G wimax speeds are much better (tops out at a 1MB/s down for me, ~400KBps near my house) BUT coverage is spotty and possibly non-existent where you live OP. Not to mention that due to the frequency of wimax, it doesn't penetrate buildings very well so I tend to get the best 4G signal outdoors.. I would seriously contemplate sticking with T-Mo for the time being. There is no guarantee that unlimited data will stick around when Sprint upgrades to LTE this year BUT Sprint 3G speeds should improve drastically from what I've read. I just wanted to give you a heads up before making the switch, good luck!
This phone is pretty easy to root. Method I recommend is sfhub's auto root script to obtain root and install cwm recovery (see 2 videos below). Once you follow both videos you have full root and CWM but a stock kernel and rom... with the ability to flash any ROM/kernel currently available if you wish to change.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be2evusAwOM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZRnH-_XZmM
I would highly recommend checking coverage for your areas before making the change just to make sure you will have decent service in your area.
Phone is awesome, and so are our developers.
I switched from the g2x, myself, but I was very happy with the g2x -- just hated tmo and their bs policy about throttling (I agree with the idea of throttling, just not to 8kbs speeds!).
The E4GT is an excellent phone that you'll love. I, too, use it for home internet, and where I am, my coverage is acceptable. I get about 4mbps download, maybe 300kbps upload, but there's only one spot in my house that gets reliable 4g reception. Please note that there's a hack available to allow your phone to get better 4g reception, and you'll definitely want to do that if your area's coverage is spotty: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1265990.
Best of luck, and enjoy your new phone!
To cds0699 and Erislover I would like to thank so much for the posted info. I'll look into those 3 things before and after I get the phone.
As for the spotty coverage I think I should be ok as there is a data tower about 2 miles away. http://maps.google.com/ mapped it out
Even if I only get 3g and its not as fast as my t-mobile I am still only getting about 500kbps.... which is so horrid it takes for ever to even download some few MB apps.
After the issues of using the phone for internet and even if it was the same speed as my T-Mobile I would still want unlimited minutes + true unlimited data when I'm running around at work.
Plus I can get the E4GT for $80.00 that is a steal!!!
Awesome, sounds like you've done your research
One last thing I can think of is that the micro usb port on the bottom is an MHL port. What that means is you can get an MHL adapter (I think they're like $10-$15) and use that with an hdmi cable for hdmi out. I haven't personally used this because that's not something I would use, but I have heard of others doing it without a problem.