At the tail end of last week, we told you about a test done by BTIG Research analyst Walter Piecyk, which found that Verizon's LTE network was dramatically faster than Sprint's WiMAX network in New York City. Sprint responded to those claims today, saying that they believe that the findings are "inaccurate" after testing done by a third-party research firm recently found download speeds of around 4-5Mbps on the New York City area's WiMAX network. Additionally, Sprint believes that once more LTE-capable smartphones are released and more users jump on Verizon's 4G network, we'll get a better idea of its real capabilities. You can find the full statement from Sprint down below.
After Piecyk's findings came out last week, many found the results to be a bit flawed not only because the testing was only done in one spot in one city, but also because other users were reporting WiMAX speeds in line with Sprint's own results. Like Sprint explains in their statement, once more LTE-capable devices arrive on Verizon's shelves and in consumers' hands, I expect that a more accurate test could be done. Do you agree with Sprint's response to Piecyk's testing?
"In a word, we find these tests inaccurate.
We work closely with an independent third party research company which reports regularly to us on real-world, scientifically tested speeds and the results we see do not match what Piecyk found. We’ve recently seen speeds in NYC (inclusive of New Jersey) averaging 4-5Mbps download.
The Verizon 4G LTE network is very new so no one has any fully time-tested data on it yet. As their network gets loaded and more than just one smartphone comes forward on their network, we can better assess its capabilities. In the early days of 4G for Sprint, we saw some very high speed numbers when the Network was launched (much higher than our current speed claims) but what ultimately matters to customers is a consistent, long-standing experience based on a network loaded with customers.
While speed tests will come and go, Sprint continues to offer consumers a dependable 4G network, more 4G devices and a better 4G value – with the only truly unlimited 4G – and we will continue to invest in expanding and enhancing Sprint 4G."
Via BGR
