WiMax v. LTE

So what's the future of cell phones? Here's my explaination of my question.

The big difference now is GSM and CDMA. And 4g will provide the same difference? Cause AT&T is planning LTE and T-Mobile is planning LTE. And Sprint is all about WiMax. So logic follows that Verizon is WiMax as well, thus perpetuates the GSM/CDMA difference now.

Then I find out that Verizon is moving toward LTE. And even more, WiMax and LTE are very closely related. "85% similar" and the differences are mostly "software related"

So what's up with that? In 2012, are we all going to be on the same bandwidth? Is that why 2012 is slated as the end of the world?

Originally Posted by humphrind

So what's the future of cell phones? Here's my explaination of my question.

The big difference now is GSM and CDMA. And 4g will provide the same difference? Cause AT&T is planning LTE and T-Mobile is planning LTE. And Sprint is all about WiMax. So logic follows that Verizon is WiMax as well, thus perpetuates the GSM/CDMA difference now.

Then I find out that Verizon is moving toward LTE. And even more, WiMax and LTE are very closely related. "85% similar" and the differences are mostly "software related"

So what's up with that? In 2012, are we all going to be on the same bandwidth? Is that why 2012 is slated as the end of the world?

As far as my understanding goes, this is all completely backwards.

Verizon and AT&T are onboard with LTE for their 4G networks while Sprint and T-Mobile are running with WiMax. We recently saw T-Mobile release a press statement about their intent to go with WiMax.

Lots of miscommunication on this. We all need to be careful to check our sources.

Originally Posted by berryite

Lots of miscommunication on this. We all need to be careful to check our sources.

Though I love this answer, I also despise it. Not your fault. This is exactly what I want clarification on.

So are we all eventually switching to LTE? Will we eventually split to T-Mobile/Sprint Vs. Verizon/AT&T?

Originally Posted by humphrind

The big difference now is GSM and CDMA. And 4g will provide the same difference? Cause AT&T is planning LTE and T-Mobile is planning LTE. And Sprint is all about WiMax. So logic follows that Verizon is WiMax as well, thus perpetuates the GSM/CDMA difference now.

Actually, originally there was a 3rd contender for 4G called UMB, and it was supposed to be the upgrade path for CDMA, but it has basically been discontinued as most CDMA networks have chosen to back LTE instead.
In fact, 3GPP, the governing body behind the GSM standard has devloped an upgrade path for CDMA networks deciding to migrate to LTE.
BTW, LTE is also part of the GSM standard, much as GPRS, and UMTS/HSDPA are.

Then I find out that Verizon is moving toward LTE. And even more, WiMax and LTE are very closely related. "85% similar" and the differences are mostly "software related"

So what's up with that? In 2012, are we all going to be on the same bandwidth? Is that why 2012 is slated as the end of the world?

Lol...
Yeah, WiMax SHOULD be pretty much software upgradeable to LTE. They use completely different software technologies, but the physical side of things is VERY close.

Originally Posted by berryite

As far as my understanding goes, this is all completely backwards.

Verizon and AT&T are onboard with LTE for their 4G networks while Sprint and T-Mobile are running with WiMax. We recently saw T-Mobile release a press statement about their intent to go with WiMax.

Lots of miscommunication on this. We all need to be careful to check our sources.

What!?
Last I'd heard T-Mo had come out in support of LTE..?
Why would anyone go from UMTS to WiMax? The 3GPP upgrade path is LTE.
Can you point me to a copy of this press release? I just did a quick google, and came up dry.



IMO, WiMax looks like it'll basically serve alongside HSDPA+ as a transitional technology, with LTE being the end result either way. LTE is years away from being a mainstream replacement with, and with a solid rumour of an Android based WiMax phone supposedly dropping next year, looks like WiMax might finally become relevant to the phone industry. Still with so few networks backing it, I can't see it making a huge dent.