Quote:
Originally Posted by yvanleterrible
Interesting. What is the basic difference in coverage between a basic cell and this HSDPA?
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HSDPA is similar to the CDMA technology that EVDO uses. But the two don't take to each other. HSDPA has HUGE upside potential long term. It can deliver a big pipe, as in up to a theoretical max of about 10Mbps. But I have not read of anyone getting numbers any better than EVDO's numbers.
The population coverage numbers claimed/estimated for the two MBB services are:
EVDO: ~230 to 250 million
HSDPA: ~170 to 190 million
EDGE is the old guard for data coverage...pretty much anywhere there is GSM service there is EDGE service. But I imagine that GSM penetration in the US is not much different than EVDO's numbers. Still, it does cover the most people of all data options. It is just the speed is likely going to be no more than a 100k download under the best conditions as the GSM towers are oversold for the most part. And in real world use it will prolly be 50k-70k putting it in the 1xRTT range which EVDO will degrade to in areas of weak coverage.
The real interesting thing will be how HSDPA and WiMaxx (or whatever they call it this microsecond) evolve over then next 5-years.
If you want to see what towers are around you you can go here:
http://www.antennasearch.com (carrier agnostic)
Most carriers do not own the towers so the owner might not be an indication of what service is to be had in your area.
I have two towers near me. One is about 1000ft away and the other is about 3000ft away. I was very suprised at the quality of EVDO coverage where I live.
To see what data coverage is around you all the major carriers offer pretty accurate coverage maps on their sites and include rate info. Just remember to select the DATA plans and not the voice plans.
Coverage maps for data:
http://coverage.sprintpcs.com/IMPACT...FDisplayPhones
http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/
Warning about the AT&T map. You have to zoom in to actually see the HSDPA coverage otherwise you are seeing where their EDGE coverage is only.
You can see that AT&T's HSDPA is not in a lot of places but EDGE is EVERYWHERE. But, Sprint's EVDO (not including Alltel) is pretty darned close when you include their areas with just 1xRTT service right now. FYI the 1xRTT is not that different from EDGE as a rule. Plus one does not need a cell phone to use it. Any EVDO device will work.
oops, I think this is getting kinda off-point for the thread...hehehehe...d'oh!