What is LTE Advanced?
Almost 3 years ago (June 2013) LTE Advanced was touted as the “next major step in the evolution of LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks. It’s a new network technology that’s expected to both help band aid the massive increases in mobile data demand, and deliver much higher data speeds for all. That means better coverage, greater stability, and faster performance.” (Google Snippet Response to “LTE-Advanced” query). Keeping up with mobile download speed? Why?
Here’s a link worth keeping handy. It is a third-party (OpenSignal) evaluation of the big mobile networks (Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint & AT&T) and how they perform. Some really excellent animated graphics that tell the story nationally and regionally. So you can compare T-Mobile in Boston or T-Mobile to the other three networks nationwide. And T-Mobile is moving out as the number one contender. Though still a hair’s breadth behind Verizon.
Keeping up with mobile download speed? Why? Because the world is mobile, not desktop. And LTE Advanced is apparently heir apparent to 4G – the new fifth generation (5G) technology. With the US falling sadly behind as it continues to develop 4G.
OpenSignal says in that regard:
“New LTE-Advanced networks have started pushing the upper boundaries of LTE download speed beyond 30 Mbps, but the U.S. is not one of the countries making that innovation leap. In fact, the U.S. 4G average of 9.9 Mbps falls well short of the global download average of 13.5 Mbps. Though U.S. 4G networks continue to get faster, they’re just not keeping up with the world’s quickening LTE pace.”
Verizon is still the operator to beat when it comes to network reliability, but T-Mobile is squaring off against the super-carrier in download speed. Nationally both operators are averaging 4G connections of 12 Mbps, and in a speed comparison in the 11 largest U.S. cities, T-Mobile just barely edged out Verizon. AT&T and Sprint hardly even factored in the contest.
AT&T & Sprint get what they deserve. T-Mobile, working hard to beat Verizon, is worth consideration. They are making it happen. T-Mobile is investing in the LTE Advanced (5G) and is making progress.
So the question now is not, “What’s in your wallet?” but, “Who’s your carrier?” because the wallet won’t function if the carrier is absent or bogged down.
