You may have saw the research which found that the Verizon 4G LTE network was faster than the Sprint 4G WiMax network (at least in New York). Well, Sprint is firing back and saying this is hooey.
The report found that the Verizon 4G LTE network averaged 9.1 Mbps down, 5.28 Mbps up with a latency of 143 milliseconds while the Sprint 4G WiMax service averaged 1.17 Mbps, .66 Mbps up and a latency of 314 milliseconds. In a statement to IntoMobile, Sprint said this didn’t match its own speed tests as it found average download speeds of 4-5 Mbps in the same coverage area.
In my experience with Sprint 4G WiMax, I’ve found that it does generally offer at least 5 Mbps but the consistency is nowhere near as good as Verizon 4G LTE. Part of that is because it has more users on its network than Big Red but another part is the spectrum that is used. Verizon’s 4G LTE uses 700 MHz (also known as “beach-front property) and this leads to awesome in-door penetration.
Here’s the full statement from Sprint:
In a word, we find these tests inaccurate.
We work closely with an independent third party research company which reports regularly to us on real-world, scientifically tested speeds and the results we see do not match what Piecyk found. We’ve recently seen speeds in NYC (inclusive of New Jersey) averaging 4-5Mbps download.
The Verizon 4G LTE network is very new so no one has any fully time-tested data on it yet. As their network gets loaded and more than just one smartphone comes forward on their network, we can better assess its capabilities. In the early days of 4G for Sprint, we saw some very high speed numbers when the Network was launched (much higher than our current speed claims) but what ultimately matters to customers is a consistent, long-standing experience based on a network loaded with customers.
While speed tests will come and go, Sprint continues to offer consumers a dependable 4G network, more 4G devices and the best 4G value – the only truly unlimited 4G – and we will continue to invest in expanding and enhancing Sprint 4G.