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Sprint's LTE network going live a day early for some users

Sprint's LTE network going live a day early for some users

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Some Sprint customers are getting access to the carrier's new LTE network in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Kansas City, and Atlanta a day before its official launch.

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Sprint Galaxy Nexus (STOCK)
Sprint Galaxy Nexus (STOCK)

Sprint's first LTE cities — Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Atlanta, and Kansas City — are set to officially go online sometime on Sunday, July 15th, but we've been hearing reports that some lucky users are already connected to the carrier's 4G network. We've spoken with local Sprint stores in all five metropolitan areas, and the general word across the board is that LTE service is already available intermittently in certain spots. Speeds so far appear to be about on par with what we've heard before — about 10Mbps down and 2Mbps up. That's much faster that Sprint's WiMAX network and far and away better than its aging EV-DO 3G service, but it comes up short (especially on the uplink side) against Verizon's and AT&T's LTE.

All of the stores that we spoke with today across the five cities said that small pockets are getting inconsistent LTE service — surely a result of Sprint's engineers testing and prepping the brand-new network prior to its full launch. We were told that Jersey Village, Texas in the Houston metropolitan area is currently getting LTE reception, as is the Alamo Heights section of San Antonio and Shawnee, Kansas — just outside of Kansas City. We couldn't nail down specific spots in Dallas or Atlanta, but we have confirmed that users are getting on the LTE network there, too. Of course, you'll need an Evo 4G LTE, Galaxy S III, Galaxy Nexus, or Viper 4G LTE if you're hoping to enjoy the new speeds, and be sure to check Sprint's LTE coverage map to see if you're in a market that's set to get service.

Thanks, anonymous!