LTE vs WiMax
So the 700MHz spectrum auction has ended March 20 and consumers might be thinking, "so what’s next?" Well, the US carriers are still chewing on their prey and going to digest its meal in a couple of years with a beef-up wireless data network comparable to DSL or cable. Anyway, if you are on Verizon or AT&T, expect to be using LTE (Long Term Evolution), a high-speed broadband technology that could achieve wireless speeds approaching 100 Mbps.
AT&T plans to roll out its LTE network starting in 2012, while Verizon plans to begin its rollout in 2010.
While those using Sprint may expect WiMax in the next couple of years. In short, iPhone users are stuck with EDGE for now. For the meantime, Sprint loyalists may try the Samsung Instinct this June. While the big 3 carriers have their sight on 4G, T-Mobile is just emerging with its 3G network and possibly, launch Android-based phones by the end of this year.