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Imo: As more areas get Lte and people get Lte phones, the HSPA network should be less congested. HSPA is used for voice (and non-lte data).

Another observation of mine is that the iPhone 5 has better reception compared to my 4S just about everywhere.
 
I will second that. I have noticed dramatic improvement in my call reception moving to the 5 over my old one. Previously I would always use a land line when one was available vs cell, but now I never look as every call on my 5 to date has been crystal clear.
 
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