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Verizon Activates AWS-Enhanced XLTE Network

dgstorm

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[video=youtube;pxykILHZuIc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxykILHZuIc[/video]​

Just in case you didn't know or assume this already, Verizon isn't just resting on their laurels with the largest LTE network in the United States. Just today they announced the activation of their new AWS-enhanced XLTE network. It is now active across their network and can double the bandwidth available for many users with the right devices. Keep in mind this is not 5G or Advanced-LTE, but is really more like 4.5G/Boosted LTE. It leverages Verizon's AWS spectrum holdings to piggy-back additional spectrum in tandem to provide the speed jump.

Supposedly over 35% of the smartphones on Verizon's network are already capable of using the new network enhancement. This includes phones like the Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One M8, iPhone 5s, the Samsung ATIV SE, and many more.

Here's the full press release and a link for more info,

XLTE: America's Best Network Gets Even Better

Faster peak speeds, double the 4G LTE bandwidth in cities coast to coast only for Verizon Wireless customers.

Verizon Wireless today announced XLTE – the next step in ensuring the very best high-speed data experience available on any wireless network in the United States.

XLTE is Verizon's new way to show consumers that they will now have the benefits of even more capacity on the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network, all made possible by taking advantage of AWS spectrum.

"The industry and tech world recognize this is a big deal, and we want consumers to know, too," said Ken Dixon, chief marketing officer of Verizon Wireless. "We continue to offer the very best network, bar none. Now, XLTE provides an even greater advantage to customers by doubling the 4G LTE bandwidth and providing faster peak speeds in cities coast to coast."

All customers automatically benefit where Verizon Wireless has deployed XLTE, part of the company's ongoing commitment to delivering the best experience in wireless. XLTE adds capacity in neighborhoods or areas where demand is high, especially during busy periods like rush hour, lunch times in crowded areas or during events when mobile data use is the highest.

What is XLTE and how does it work?

XLTE delivers faster peak data speeds and a minimum of double the bandwidth to 4G LTE customers in high traffic areas in markets nationwide where AWS spectrum has been activated.

While XLTE network enhancements are invisible to the customer, the mobile experience is not. XLTE Ready devices automatically access both 700 MHz spectrum and the AWS spectrum in XLTE cities. Customers with 4G LTE devices operating solely on the 700 MHz spectrum in XLTE markets also benefit from the extra capacity created by XLTE Ready device traffic moving to the AWS spectrum.

Nearly all of the devices Verizon Wireless sells, including the newest DROID devices, Samsung Galaxy S4, S5 and Note 3, and the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s, are XLTE Ready when purchased. Today, more than 35 percent of all devices operating on the Verizon Wireless network can take direct advantage of the added capacity that AWS provides.

XLTE is yet another signal of Verizon Wireless' network leadership as the company continues to innovate on the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network and deliver a superior network experience for its customers.

Source: VZW
 
NONE of this matters if they continue to use capped data plans. BFD if I can download a powerpoint file from my e-mail is .25 seconds if that 50meg file used up 1/20th of my data plan before they charge me for 1 more gig of data. I'd rather have slower speeds but no data cap.
 
I still have unlimited...this might be a reason to upgrade my phone. Would be tempting to cut the chord and become a "tether abuser".
 
I'll believe it when I see it.

I'm still waiting to see consistent speeds over 60 mpbs in Philadelphia, I've only screen shots of higher. The Note 3 is capable of handling 150 mpbs and I'm sure newer devices are pushing well over 200+ easily. But what is the point if only works in a couple spots. I guess it sounds good.
 
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Just fyi: If you click on the cities list, please note that the last three cities on the Iowa list, should actually be listed under Idaho. (Blackfoot, Burley, Pocatello) :D
Of course I'm bummed because I'm 20 min away from Blackfoot, but I look forward to comparing the speeds next time I'm there.

tap'n
 
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YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxykILHZuIc

Just in case you didn't know or assume this already, Verizon isn't just resting on their laurels with the largest LTE network in the United States. Just today they announced the activation of their new AWS-enhanced XLTE network. It is now active across their network and can double the bandwidth available for many users with the right devices. Keep in mind this is not 5G or Advanced-LTE, but is really more like 4.5G/Boosted LTE. It leverages Verizon's AWS spectrum holdings to piggy-back additional spectrum in tandem to provide the speed jump.

Supposedly over 35% of the smartphones on Verizon's network are already capable of using the new network enhancement. This includes phones like the Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One M8, iPhone 5s, the Samsung ATIV SE, and many more.

Here's the full press release and a link for more info,

Source: VZW

Do I have to do something on my s5 to activate the X LTE?
 
Same here X...I average about 50gig. Never had any problems with Verizon. I've even had a few vzw reps (when trying to get us to switch to a family plan) say, "oh yes, you do utilize your unlimited data don't you". LOL

tap'n
 
Yes, they can detect that you are tethering. The question is, do they care?

Yeah, only a few [very] unsubstantiated rumors that people got charged or threatening letters. It's not even certain they can actually detect tethering (the tech is available, but whether VZW would bother is a different question).

Basically what it boils down to is anyone using over 10gigs is more than likely tethering.
 
I've seen people using 600gb+ and not being charged any fees. Most I've used is 130gb and Verizon said that's fine and dandy.
 
NONE of this matters if they continue to use capped data plans. BFD if I can download a powerpoint file from my e-mail is .25 seconds if that 50meg file used up 1/20th of my data plan before they charge me for 1 more gig of data. I'd rather have slower speeds but no data cap.

This is why their 25gb of cloud storage is a joke. What good is cloud storage if you have a limited amount of bandwidth to access it? I was on unlimited until I added my new wife and her son onto my family plan last year, at which time I had to go to share everything. I HATE it. I have 6 lines, I pay for 10gb, and have to constantly monitor everyone and check data usage. I finally opted for family base and allotted 2gb to all the kids (4), then my wife and I share a 2gb bucket.

Yes, I know, I can pay for more than 10gb. My bill is already $380ish, so trying to keep the data at a bare minimum. Really would like to ditch VZW to go with ATT and their new shared plan. With the BYO phones option, we can share 15gb for about $225. But we are going to have to wait out our ETF.
 
Do I have to do something on my s5 to activate the X LTE?

No, it appears that the X LTE service runs on the existing LTE band 4. All of the other Verizon devices on the list have since received updates and have Band 4 enabled.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
 
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