Android News
Sprint LTE coverage map for 2014 surfaces: pretty modest plans for such a great battle
March 29, 2012 | by Adrian Diaconescu
Android News, Carriers, Sprint
We already know that Sprint is pretty well behind Verizon or AT&T when talking about 4G LTE coverage and coverage plans, but according to a map surfaced on the web just a few minutes ago, the carrier’s executives seem like they aren’t even trying to make up some of that disadvantage.
The map was posted by tech journalist Sascha Segan on Twitter and shows off Sprint’s ‘’ambitious’’ expansion plans for 2014. As you will notice from the photo below, the map is divided into two sectors, colored in green and blue respectively.
The green area represents the places where Sprint is planning to launch 4G LTE speeds by 2014 and, while it covers pretty much half of the map, it’s far from impressive. I mean, 2014 is two years from now and Sprint doesn’t even cover most of the U.S., which Verizon has already managed? That’s disappointing, to say the least.
On the other hand, if we think of today’s 4G LTE coverage by Sprint, this could actually be some welcomed progress. As a bit of reminder, there’s currently no place in America covered by 4G LTE from Sprint (I think that we can all agree that WiMAX is a whole different thing) and, according to official statements from the company, by mid 2012 only a few cities will be covered.
Getting back to the map in question, it’s worth mentioning that, while the huge blue area will not enjoy 4G LTE speeds, Sprint will rely on roaming agreements there and thereabouts to make some sort of amends to users.
I don’t know about you, but this kind of news saddens me a lot, as we can go from a very competitive market with at least three important players to a world clearly dominated by the likes of Verizon and AT&T. Then again, maybe 4G LTE smartphones will not become as popular as most of us predict right now or maybe Sprint will come with some sort of technological innovation of their own. Either way, stay tuned on our website for more information on the subject.
Via Twitter
What the hell is up with that map of the US ? All the states are the wrong shape.
lol, I was thinking the exact same thing Shane.
First of all, whoever drew the map of the united states is an idiot! Draw the united states correctly, or don’t draw it at all. Secondly, why is Sprint’s 4G LTE mostly on the east coast and mid west? Some states are completely covered, some are sparcly covered, and other states get no 4G LTE? So will those states have to drop their Sprint contracts because of roaming? A sprint representative in Portland, Oregon(where I live) that if you consistently roam for 6 or more months, then your contract will be cancelled? Really Sprint? What will happen to those people? Verizon plans to replace it’s 3G footprint with its 4G LTE. I don’t know about you, but if nothing is done about 4G LTE by 2014, or if it sucks, then I will be forced to go back to Verizon because this crap id ridiculous. Oh, and by the way, Sprint 4g WiMax in Portland sucks ass; its deplorable! I can’t get 4G inside my apartment, and outside the coverage is good(sometimes full bars), but the speeds suck. Get it together Sprint, or I’m leaving–no if ands or buts about it.
East and West Coast are where the majority of the people are. Companies focus on the most densely populated areas because that’s where they reach most customers and make most money. Rural and small towns are not as profitable, so companies don’t make it a priority to go there. Verizon was an exception to that rule because they built their network so fast and so wide. Sprint’s LTE plans are a little concerning. By the time they reach the areas on this map, Verizon will probably have covered the entire country in LTE.
They probably send out different versions of the state borders, so they can track who’s leaking these things to the web sites.
The outlines are different Sprint markets, not an indication of states you idiots.
No you fools, this is a map of the US States in 2014, after the war between Star Trek and Star Wars fanatics.