The next U.S. mobile provider to go 4G is....

[FreakyLocz14]

Brace yourself for this. No it's not Verizon, nor T-Mobile, nor AT&T.

Sprint began offering 4G service in select markets in June 2010 with the launch of the HTC Evo 4G using the WiMax standard, and is planning to extend it to most major cities in Fall 2010 and nationwide (for the most part) by late 2010/early 2011.

Verizon Wirless plans on getting 4G up and running using thge Long-Term Evolution (LTE) standard in 2011 sometime. But small-time prepaid service provider MetroPCS is set to roll out a 4G network in select markets before the end of 2010. (That's right... MetroPCS)

MetroPCS largely skipped 3G altogether. It has 3G in select markets using the EV-DO standard, but for the most part they are still 1x-RTT, which is a "2G" or 1x digital standard in most of their service areas, including the California Bay Area and New York City area.

The first 4G-capable phone to debut on MetroPCS will be the Samsung SCH-R900. It will be able to run on 4G/LTE, 3G/EV-DO in the select markets that have 3G, and on the 2G/1x networks.

It should be noted that MetroPCS has no plans to expand what little 3G they offer so if you don't live in an area that has 3G service you won't be getting 3G but skipping from 2G straight to 4G.

 

[Blaze The Hedgehog]

If I recall, Isn't 4G just the same as HSDPA?

 

[Mewtwo152]

I find this... odd. Metro doesn't even have full service across the USA. I think they cover something like 70% of America?
But, do phones that could support 4G automatically get the upgrade in speed, or do you have to buy a phone marketed for 4G?

 

[FreakyLocz14]

If I recall, Isn't 4G just the same as HSDPA?

"4G" today can mean one of two things. For Sprint user's with an HTC Evo or Sprint 4G Mobile Broadband service this means WiMax technology. The other carriers plan on using a technology called Long-Term Evolution, or LTE for short.

I find this... odd. Metro doesn't even have full service across the USA. I think they cover something like 70% of America?
But, do phones that could support 4G automatically get the upgrade in speed, or do you have to buy a phone marketed for 4G?

You would need a 4G-capable device of course but to answer your question, I don't know. Metro's limited 3G works on any 3G-capable device if you happen to be in a 3G coverage area.