AT&T customers that have a 4G LTE capable device living in the below-listed cities are about to experience data speeds like never before. Ranging from Florida to Washington state, AT&T is clearly expediting the roll out of their 4G LTE coverage, staying way ahead of the curve in front of Sprint and T-Mobile’s LTE coverage. Sure, it’s not Verizon’s footprint, but according to recent studies, AT&T’s LTE speed dominates them all. 

Verizon’s variant of the Samsung Galaxy S3 received a pretty major update earlier in the week, but according to multiple comments from readers who have taken the new build, the phone may be experiencing some major issues. We’re seeing everything from complaints of poor 4G LTE connectivity to phones auto-subscribing to the newest bloatware add-on from the update called Caller Name ID. 

Today, AT&T announced a slew of cities that are to receive their 4G LTE network this week. As evident in the list, AT&T is starting to work their way out into the more rural areas, including parts of Oregon, Virginia and Washington state. Check below to see the full list of additions. 

The Galaxy S4 being sold through Verizon appears to be future proof, folks. Whenever buying a new piece of tech, the running joke is that whatever you buy will most likely be outdated within a couple of months after buying it, but it looks like Verizon took a few extra steps to make sure that was not the case.

According to a report out of Bloomberg, inside the Galaxy S4 on Verizon lay special components, ones that allow the device to run on the carrier’s future Advanced Wireless Spectrum (AWS) network. From studies Verizon has done, AWS will allow for browsing speeds twice that of what we are currently seeing here in America. 

A report out of TechHive has put America’s top four carriers against each other in a 3G/4G data speed shootout. With all four carriers now offering 4G LTE in select markets, it will be interesting to see where consumers will want to place their money. While Verizon has had the build out advantage, now reaching nearly 300 million subscribers since its launch, AT&T promptly rolled out service to 200 million Americans, while also maintaining very fast data speeds. 

One of the downsides to joining a prepaid network has always been their lack of connectivity when it comes to 4G LTE networks. Some can take advantage of HSPA+ speeds, but none at this time connect to LTE networks from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Well, until today. AT&T will allow customers on their GoPhone prepaid plans to connect to LTE and HSPA+ going forward, as long as they have an LTE phone or iPhone.

Currently, the smartphone GoPhone plan runs $65 and only includes 1GB of data, along with unlimited talk and text. But hey, LTE on prepaid? We have to start somewhere.

Via:  Engadget | AT&T

Cheers thebeeobee!

During the beginning of Verizon’s comical J-Lo themed press event this morning at CTIA in Las Vegas, COO Marni Walden did announce at least one important bit of information. Their 4G LTE network now covers 497 markets, which is 95% of their 3G network. Remember that their initial goal was to cover 100% of their 3G network by the end of 2013, but have since moved the date up to mid-year as LTE build-out has increased dramatically. With 95% complete, I’d say they’ll hit their goal and then some. Back in January they were at 473 markets, so already this year they have added another 20+ along with countless expansions in existing markets.

Is anyone not yet covered by Verizon’s LTE network?

Over the last year or so, we’ve talked a lot about switching carriers. With policy changes frustrating consumers, tiered data hampering usage, and phones not being offered across the board on all carriers, there may not be a better time than now to consider a move. One downside to moving, though, is the worry of coverage with a new carrier not being equal to what you were previous receiving. The last thing you want to do is commit to a new carrier, only to find that your phone can barely hold a signal at home or that LTE won’t be in your neighborhood for years.