Off - Topic: Verizon LTE experience

[silverwings]

I am thinking of switching from Sprint 4G to Verizon LTE and would appreciate any comments from any Verizon LTE users. It looks to have better coverage throughout the US but more expensive.

[krryerson]

John,
If needed:
This is tool might be helpful to see what suits you, when it comes to coverage.
Go to http://opensignal.com/network-coverage-maps/
Enter your zip code and compare ATT, Verizon, Sprint, T-mobil and Metro PCS.
I have the AT&T and in this area it is OKAY. For me it is all about the price and my need.
For the Verizon details, such as speed and more, some other pilots my be better giving you advice.
Knut

[Dan T]

I have Verizon LTE. I use it when traveling and have used it throughout much of the US. It's been reliable and in most places I get a 4G connection, even where I wouldn't necessarily expect one. I think you will find it very satisfactory provided that you get 4G coverage where you intend to use it the most, such as at home if that is your intent. 3G is frustratingly slow. It feels like DSL vice cable by comparison.

Dan

[bustedwing2]

Traveling in the tractortrailer I had better luck with verizon as far as coverage and signal strength goes,at&t was mediocre at best.Va,Md,De,NJ,Pa,Wv,NC. RichB

[bowen.tim]

John,

The base station equipment at each tower for Verizon, AT&T and Sprint is manufactured by the company I work for, Alcatel-Lucent. So as far as equipment, it is all the same. The differences, in my opinion, is the backbone network, number of cell towers, and reliability in a power outage. Hands down, Verizon wins in all categories. Verizon cell sites are clustered closer together than Sprint and AT&T. Ninety-nine percent of all Verizon cell sites have generator back up. One-hundred percent of their sites are on a fiber back haul. One-hundred percent of Verizon cell sites have 4G LTE. Verizon has dedicated techs for a cluster of sites. Their bonuses are based on the metrics of each site, i.e., fewest alarms, down time, cell site cleanliness, etc.

As for Sprint, in the Baltimore/Washington market, we have replaced 90% percent of the existing equipment with new base stations. But not all sites have 4G LTE yet. I would say 50% of the network in this area has been upgraded to 4G LTE with a fiber back haul.

I don't work much on the AT&T sites, but I do know that their 4G LTE network is not as expanded as Verizon's.

I hope this helps in your decision.

[silverwings]

Thanks to all that replied. I did switch to Verizon LTE with a new smart phone. Seems to be working fine but haven't had it for more than a few days.