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4G Networks Tested: WiMAX vs. HSPA+

Intro The Numbers Equipment Summary Comments 46

The bottom line is that 4G is here, and it works. Both T-Mobile and Sprint offer impressive speeds that will let you browse the web faster than ever. We watched a bit of Hulu during most of our testing, and it looked impressively good with both technologies.

Sprint's WiMAX network is still growing, so you need to check coverage carefully before banking on it, but if Sprint offers good 4G coverage where you need it, it's at least twice as fast as 3G on the download side.

If you're shopping for fast data, though, T-Mobile's upgraded HSPA+ network is worth a hard look. HSPA+ is just as fast as WiMAX for downloads, and much faster when it comes to upload and latency. That means T-Mobile might be the better choice if you need to upload a lot of videos or do some serious multiplayer gaming. T-Mobile plans to have 100 major metro areas upgraded to HSPA+ by the end of 2010.

When it comes to phones, Sprint offers just one 4G model: the HTC EVO 4G. T-Mobile, however, offers nine models with HSPA 7.2 at the moment. HSPA 7.2 clocked impressive speeds in our tests, definitely comparable to Sprint's 4G.

Dec 10, 2021
Verizon has added 14,000 new mmWave 5G cell sites this year, nearly double the number the company deployed in the previous two years combined. mmWave 5G provides very fast 5G service but limited coverage per cell site.

Boost Merges Brands

Jul 18, 2024
Boost Mobile has consolidated its Boost Mobile (pre-paid) and Boost Infinite (post-paid) offerings into one unified brand and website, now known as simply "Boost Mobile". The change comes with updated, unified service plans, most of which are no-contract and available on either a pre-paid or post-paid basis.

Verizon Tweaks Plans, Adding True Unlimited + More Hotspot Data

Jan 5, 2022
Verizon has made a handful of changes to its unlimited plans, giving some customers a better value. The basic structure and pricing remain unchanged, but some plans now come with more data.

FCC Revamps its Mobile Speed Test app

Jul 23, 2024
The FCC has launched a new mobile app for consumers to test the data performance of mobile networks themselves and contribute to the FCC's database of real-world mobile broadband speeds by area. Unlike the old app, the new FCC Mobile Speed Test app has a "Repeated test" function that lets users enter their info once for a series of tests, including hands-free mobile tests while driving.

FCC Raises Over $22 Billion in Latest Mid-Band 5G Auction

Jan 7, 2022
The FCC's Auction 110 has concluded, with up to 33 bidders paying a total of $22.5 billion for 4,041 licenses out of 4,060 offered. All of the top three national wireless carriers participated in the auction.