Unlimited Data VS. HSPA+ Speeds (ATT VS.Sprint)

[PPFee]

I'm not doubting what you guys are saying...it is very helpful. But as I read the AT&T site in a couple places, it just seems to contradict that and indicate that it is in fact HSPA+.

AT&T Coverage Map:
http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/?wtSlotClick=1-0061J2-0-6#?type=data
Then when I click on the 4G link below the map it states:
4G: The areas shown in darkest blue represent AT&T owned HSPA+ network with enhanced backhaul. AT&T's HSPA+ network is capable of delivering 4G speeds when combined with enhanced backhaul. 4G device required. Learn more about 4G.

Then when I go here and then click on the Details link below the image of the iPhone, then the Specifications tab, it does say HSPA+.
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/packages/packages-details.jsp?q_package=sku5370394#

Based on the network description of HSPA+ and the iPhone 4S spec stating HSPA+, isn't it HSPA+?

Apple's Keynote described it as HSDPA, not HSPA+ i think HSPA+ is backwards compatible and so ATT is probably thinking they can get away with calling it that, after all, look at what they've gotten away with as far as 4g branding, but i think you may be getting caught up in a pissing contest that doesn't matter. If ATT has HSPA+ in your area, than it inherently will work with HSDPA as well. Bottom line being, if anyone gets faster speeds from the new phone, its you and people in area's like yours and mine, assuming network conditions are ideal. So yes, you have reason to be happy.

 

[dmk1974]

Apple's Keynote described it as HSDPA, not HSPA+ i think HSPA+ is backwards compatible and so ATT is probably thinking they can get away with calling it that, after all, look at what they've gotten away with as far as 4g branding, but i think you may be getting caught up in a pissing contest that doesn't matter. If ATT has HSPA+ in your area, than it inherently will work with HSDPA as well. Bottom line being, if anyone gets faster speeds from the new phone, its you and people in area's like yours and mine, assuming network conditions are ideal. So yes, you have reason to be happy.

Thanks...I agree that what they call it is pretty confusing and goofy. Well, I'll find out in a week if it's any faster! Per my Speedtest.net app, my current iPhone 4 gets about ~4.0 Mbps down and ~1.1 Mbps up.

 

[pezasied182]

I gave up unlimited data on ATT for unlimited data on Sprint because it's cheaper. All I want to be able to do data wise on 3g is watch netflix, and Sprint can handle that.

 

[kre62]

The 4S IS HSPA+ for sure.

Not only has AT&T confirmed it, the Qualcomm chip the 4S is using is, with 100% surity, and of fact, an HSPA+ chip.

The 4S is HSPA+

The end.

 

[dmk1974]

I just saw this post on the MacRumors front page...pretty good:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1242791/

 

[PPFee]

Thanks...I agree that what they call it is pretty confusing and goofy. Well, I'll find out in a week if it's any faster! Per my Speedtest.net app, my current iPhone 4 gets about ~4.0 Mbps down and ~1.1 Mbps up.

No Problem, I agree, Its more than obvious theres two schools of thought on what is what, one for marketing and one for standards(which honestly should be all that matters but this is America right). The point is, in your case at least, i would guess you should average about 8Mbps down and 3 up wherever you were getting 4 and 1.1. You can call it dog crap, that doesn't make it any less of an improvement.

I just saw this post on the MacRumors front page...pretty good:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1242791/

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Anyone in the know, what is the fastest real world speeds one would get in a 3g cdma (sprint) network area, assuming great coverage and great 3g backhaul etc.?

 

[mrxak]

The 4S IS HSPA+ for sure.

Not only has AT&T confirmed it, the Qualcomm chip the 4S is using is, with 100% surity, and of fact, an HSPA+ chip.

The 4S is HSPA+

The end.

Has anyone actually gotten their hands on a 4S yet to take it apart and see what's inside?

I trust the engineers at Apple who made the thing than the carrier trying to get people to buy it just for their network. Until I see proof otherwise, I will trust Apple's press release, media event, and listed specs that this is HSDPA 14.4 Mbps instead of HSPA+ which starts at 22 Mbps, and goes quite a bit higher. Would there be any reason for Apple to not say this was HSPA+ if it really was? But AT&T has every reason to want to muddle things.

What they could be saying here with HSPA+ is that it's better than HSPA, similar to the terminology 3G+ that people use. But HSPA+ is an actual standard, and it's different than the HSDPA advertised. AT&T just wants people to think (and rightly so) that the 4S on their network has the potential for better data speeds than Verizon and Sprint that don't use HSDPA. The way they're going about it though, I don't think is entirely honest.