AT&T vs. Verizon: LTE, Head-to-Head -- PCMag

[dfnj123]

Sorry, but you do realize that there are other phones than the iPhone right? Yes this is an iPhone forum on a mac site, but this THREAD is about AT&T vs. Verizon. Believe it or not, we ARE allowed to talk about other devices here, especially in the context of the topic at hand. There may be perfectly valid reasons to argue that AT&T's approach is better than Verizon's, but pretending to live in a vacuum where only the iPhone exists is foolish. If we were to follow your line of reasoning, then all the carriers are foolish for even launching any kind of 4G network before the iPhone supported it. Doing otherwise is simply a waste of money.

This is still the iPhone section on the site though, so I assumed it was safe to believe the majority of the people posting here are/will-be iPhone users. Also... I assumed the purpose of this thread was to discuss the possibilities of the integration of LTE into the carriers future... as it relates to the iPhone. Especially since the OP is pretty vague expect a cut and paste of the source article.

Clearly there are other phones out there that support full 4G, but that would be like comparing apples to oranges...

 

[jav6454]

Oh so now you can blow through your 2gb tethering plan in 10 minutes instead of 15. Well congrats to you...or are you tethering illegally?

It's not illegal and I do it without AT&T noticing. I also have the unlimited data plan from the old days.

So no, I don't blow through any cap.

 

[NoStopN]

Wait? You're trying to argue that Verizon is better because they're developing on a new standard that won't even be compatible with the next iPhone? It's great that Verizon is pushing LTE, but unless the iPhone supports those speeds it's somewhat irrelevant to discussion (especially on the iPhone section of a mac forum). But it is realistic to assume that the next iPhone will at least support HSPA+. This give AT&T a huge advantage (If you live in an area with good AT&T coverage). Mind you I completely understand that some people have issues with AT&T, sometimes people act like it's awful everywhere, which really isn't the case.

On another note Verizon's 4G coverage is still small at this point. Really shouldn't be a deciding factor for anyone unless they know for sure they live in a 4G area.

Who is on drugs? Lol.

And yes, ATT right now has a huge advantage. Huge. The reason ATT LTE is faster is because the backhaul bandwidth is much wider. ATT just added LTE to it's HSPA+ network, while Verizon just has LTE towers with much lower backhaul. It has nothing to do with how many people are on each others LTE network since there are not enough LTE phones out in the wild to matter.

Once HSPA+ is everywhere ATT's 3G is and it will be soon if not by the end of the year, they will have 7Mps to 21Mps to even 42Mps(yes HSPA+ goes that fast!) speeds everywhere their 3G is, just by upgrading their existing 3G network to HSPA+.

My comment was that AT&T has been reluctant to spend money on making the network faster, iPhone or otherwise. They believe that the influx of iPhone users put some serious stress on their network. They may be offering HSPA+, but all current models of iPhone don't support that. Also, I believe that current iPhones will not just "magically" get faster with AT&T upping the network to HSPA+. And, I have experienced the iPhone on AT&T's 3G network, so I have a pretty good reference for comparing the network against Verizon's. After experiencing 4G speeds, worrying about whose 3G speeds are better is a moot point. I live in an area that gets Verizon's LTE network. If my area didn't have it, I would not have left my iPhone on AT&T. It's already been reported in the media that (at that time), Steve Jobs would not allow an iPhone on any 4G network unless the hardware was integrated. Most Android 4G phones have a "normal" 3G data radio and a seperate radio for 4G. Steve wants this transition to 4G to be integrated & rather bulletproof. That's why I prefer Apple iOS devices over Android.

Is it really that important to be on the internet and phone at the same time?

I use my mobile hotspot quite heavily & you can't ask a phone to stop taking calls. My 4G Android phone still does phone calls without stopping my devices that are tethered to it.

 

[Spectrum Abuser]

As others have pointed out AT&T's plan with LTE is far more effective then Verizons. For example.. If you run into a LTE dead-spot with Verizon you will drop back to the CDMA network which provides 1Mbps-2Mbps rates. On AT&T if no LTE coverage is available you will fall back to the HSPA+ network which provides between 7Mbps and 21Mbps of data rates. Unless you look at the icon you will have no idea you switched off the LTE network.

 

[tjb1]

As others have pointed out AT&T's plan with LTE is far more effective then Verizons. For example.. If you run into a LTE dead-spot with Verizon you will drop back to the CDMA network which provides 1Mbps-2Mbps rates. On AT&T if no LTE coverage is available you will fall back to the HSPA+ network which provides between 7Mbps and 21Mbps of data rates. Unless you look at the icon you will have no idea you switched off the LTE network.

Here we go with the spec wars...cause you really need 10-20Mbps on a phone

Do I need to find the 4G maps comparing Verizon and AT&T?

 

[mpossoff]

Is it really that important to be on the internet and phone at the same time?

Yes I was on a call with a utility company and I needed to acess information from my bank account. I didn't have to say I'll call you back. Put them on speaker got on Safari and logged onto my bank account to see when payment was sent and payment reference number. Was able to provide the info to the other party by accessing the internet while they were on speaker.

I it all the time. When I'm on a long hold it's nice to surf.

 

[tjb1]

Yes I was on a call with a utility company and I needed to acess information from my bank account. I didn't have to say I'll call you back. Put them on speaker got on Safari and logged onto my bank account to see when payment was sent and payment reference number. Was able to provide the info to the other party while they were on speaker.

So if you were in a situation where AT&T had horrible service in your area and Verizon had great service, you would pick AT&T just so you didnt have to call someone back to give them bank information? I really can not believe this is that big of a deal...I really think its the only thing AT&T users have to use in the AT&T-Verizon war so they hold on to it like its the last Twinkie in a nuclear bombed world.

 

[mpossoff]

So if you were in a situation where AT&T had horrible service in your area and Verizon had great service, you would pick AT&T just so you didnt have to call someone back to give them bank information? I really can not believe this is that big of a deal...I really think its the only thing AT&T users have to use in the AT&T-Verizon war so they hold on to it like its the last Twinkie in a nuclear bombed world.

You're question is irrelevant because AT&T is superb in my area.

 

[tjb1]

You're question is irrelevant because AT&T is superb in my area.

So you wont answer the question because you know this stupid little "Phone + Data" thing is minuscule and is only used because it is the only so called "advantage" over Verizon left.

 

[Spectrum Abuser]

Here we go with the spec wars...cause you really need 10-20Mbps on a phone

Do I need to find the 4G maps comparing Verizon and AT&T?

If you plan on actually using your phone. HSPA+ is a nice cushion to fall back on compared to Verizons CDMA rock bed.

EDIT: And my point still stands. Verizons LTE coverage is not covering much of America outside of metropolitan areas so anywhere out of cities you will fall back on CDMA. AT&Ts LTE coverage is small for now but will be rapidly expanding and as an added plus AT&Ts HSPA+ covers just about anywhere that a 3G connection is available. That means pretty much 4G like speeds anywhere you virtually visit.

 

[mpossoff]

So you wont answer the question because you know this stupid little "Phone + Data" thing is minuscule and is only used because it is the only so called "advantage" over Verizon left.

Your question is irrelevant to me cause AT&T is superb in my area.

Stupid? I use simultaneous voice/data many times during the course of my day. When I test drove an iPhone on VZW I missed it.

 

[tjb1]

If you plan on actually using your phone. HSPA+ is a nice cushion to fall back on compared to Verizons CDMA rock bed.

EDIT: And my point still stands. Verizons LTE coverage is not covering much of America outside of metropolitan areas so anywhere out of cities you will fall back on CDMA. AT&Ts LTE coverage is small for now but will be rapidly expanding and as an added plus AT&Ts HSPA+ covers just about anywhere that a 3G connection is available. That means pretty much 4G like speeds anywhere you virtually visit.

So Verizon is just going to quit upgrading?

Your question is irrelevant to me cause AT&T is superb in my area.

So if it wasnt?

 

[Spectrum Abuser]

So Verizon is just going to quit upgrading?

No. But they will not be covering the same area as AT&T's 3G HSPA+ for several more years. And by then AT&Ts LTE coverage will be vastly larger.

 

[tjb1]

No. But they will not be covering the same area as AT&T's 3G HSPA+ for several more years. And by then AT&Ts LTE coverage will be vastly larger.

Ah yes, so Verizon is not going to cover anything...

 

[mpossoff]

So if you were in a situation where AT&T had horrible service in your area and Verizon had great service, you would pick AT&T just so you didnt have to call someone back to give them bank information? I really can not believe this is that big of a deal...I really think its the only thing AT&T users have to use in the AT&T-Verizon war so they hold on to it like its the last Twinkie in a nuclear bombed world.

Why did you answer the question that you asked? It's called 'putting words in my mouth'.

 

[Spectrum Abuser]

Ah yes, so Verizon is not going to cover anything...

Oh they will provide some good competition for the cellular world, but their LTE will not be covering the same area that AT&T's 3G HSPA+ does for several more years at this current trend.

 

[Reaper0bot0]

Uh, you're ignoring Verizon's stated build-out goals and timetable. Given that they've hit their aggressive targets so far, why doubt that they'll have their native network done in the next two years? That's the life of the contract someone signing today would be expected to honor.

Think on that.

Verizon ADDED as many markets this month as AT&T will deploy LTE in THIS YEAR. Over half of Americans live in an LTE area. That took less than one year to happen. You are correct that falling back to EV/DO is annoying when you're used to LTE. That argues in FAVOR of a very aggressive buildout of LTE, which Verizon has thus far done.

 

[Geckotek]

No. But they will not be covering the same area as AT&T's 3G HSPA+ for several more years. And by then AT&Ts LTE coverage will be vastly larger.

What about all the crap Edge areas Verizon's 3G covers? Same argument opposite direction.

We could have this argument for pages. It's all stupid.

 

[Reaper0bot0]

Cue someone saying that EV/DO and EDGE are essentially equivalent (they're not). Comes up nearly every time here.

There are a LOT of people that only love AT&T because that's the carrier they had to have if they wanted an iPhone (with a subsidy, anyway). Fanboyism for the iPhone I can understand. For a carrier? That's harder.

I dig LTE because of what those speeds can do for me. I will not give it up now that I have it.

 

[Spectrum Abuser]

Cue someone saying that EV/DO and EDGE are essentially equivalent (they're not). Comes up nearly every time here.

There are a LOT of people that only love AT&T because that's the carrier they had to have if they wanted an iPhone (with a subsidy, anyway). Fanboyism for the iPhone I can understand. For a carrier? That's harder.

I dig LTE because of what those speeds can do for me. I will not give it up now that I have it.

I fully support LTE, too. One way or another it will get rolled out to all Americans.

 

[DakotaGuy]

No. But they will not be covering the same area as AT&T's 3G HSPA+ for several more years. And by then AT&Ts LTE coverage will be vastly larger.

Several more years? Verizon plans to have nationwide 4G LTE coverage by the end 2013. That is only 2 years away and considering their build out is going quickly I'd say by this time next year their 4G footprint will be pretty impressive.

We get the idea that you feel AT&T has a far superior network today and well into the future, however making claims like "several more years" when it is 2 more years at best is a false claim.

 

[iamthedudeman]

Lose - Lose? At least I can make a call when I am not in a major city...Win. All you AT&T fanboys sound like the Android fanboys, all you care about are specs. Who needs 7-21mbps on a phone honestly.

Who said anything about needing those speeds on a phone?

I need those speeds, actually those speeds are crucial in getting my work done while at a hotel that they Wifi sucks, Airport with congested Wifi, while on my laptop or iPad. No one here is a ATT fanboy, just calling it like I see it. And yes 1Mps sucks, however you want to sugar coat it. If I was on the Verizon network I wouldn't be able to do my job as efficiently without LTE.

How is that caring about specs? Some of us live in the real world and need to get work done.

----------

My comment was that AT&T has been reluctant to spend money on making the network faster, iPhone or otherwise. They believe that the influx of iPhone users put some serious stress on their network. They may be offering HSPA+, but all current models of iPhone don't support that. Also, I believe that current iPhones will not just "magically" get faster with AT&T upping the network to HSPA+. And, I have experienced the iPhone on AT&T's 3G network, so I have a pretty good reference for comparing the network against Verizon's. After experiencing 4G speeds, worrying about whose 3G speeds are better is a moot point. I live in an area that gets Verizon's LTE network. If my area didn't have it, I would not have left my iPhone on AT&T. It's already been reported in the media that (at that time), Steve Jobs would not allow an iPhone on any 4G network unless the hardware was integrated. Most Android 4G phones have a "normal" 3G data radio and a seperate radio for 4G. Steve wants this transition to 4G to be integrated & rather bulletproof. That's why I prefer Apple iOS devices over Android.



I use my mobile hotspot quite heavily & you can't ask a phone to stop taking calls. My 4G Android phone still does phone calls without stopping my devices that are tethered to it.

You're missing the point here. In your situation maybe Verizon works for you, if you have LTE coverage. How about when you leave your area? Travel around the country or better yet around the world.

Fact of the matter is that ATT has spent more than any other carrier on improving their network:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-20058494-266.html

And yes you will see a drop off in performance with Verizons network going from slow 3g to LTE than on ATT's network going from fast 3G to LTE. ATT's network is faster, their LTE as well as their 3G. The iPhone 5 will support HSPA+ and possibly LTE.

 

[tjb1]

So you need 10-20Mbps Internet to do your work? What work do you do exactly?

 

[Geckotek]

And you'll see an even bigger drop going from AT&T's 3G to Edge....which happens A LOT. Why do you guys always leave this out? Oh yeah, cuz it kills your argument.

 

[iamthedudeman]

Uh, you're ignoring Verizon's stated build-out goals and timetable. Given that they've hit their aggressive targets so far, why doubt that they'll have their native network done in the next two years? That's the life of the contract someone signing today would be expected to honor.

Think on that.

Verizon ADDED as many markets this month as AT&T will deploy LTE in THIS YEAR. Over half of Americans live in an LTE area. That took less than one year to happen. You are correct that falling back to EV/DO is annoying when you're used to LTE. That argues in FAVOR of a very aggressive buildout of LTE, which Verizon has thus far done.

Att has invested more than Verizon in their network, they just put that money into developing nation wide HSPA+ which goes up to 42Mps which is qualified at 4G. They will have the nation covered in HSPA+ while Verizon builds out their LTE network. Verizon will have a super fast LTE network interwoven with a slow 3G network. While ATT will have a even faster LTE network with a fast 3G network with HSPA+.

Verizon is behind ATT as far as spectrum goes. Verizon has to build out their LTE network because they 'have too'. No other choice. ATT smartly upgraded all their 3G towers to HSPA+ first, then LTE.

Tmobile did the same, and it was a smart move. Verizon reluctance in going with GSM is hurting them. They went with CDMA instead of WCDMA when CDMA was already outdated because it was cheaper. They should have went with GSM along time ago, instead of now and trying to play catch up.