Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile are working hard to make network download speeds even faster via carrier aggregation, also known as LTE-Advanced technology. Fortune noted that with LTE-Advanced, a phone “receives data over several wireless channels simultaneously, instead of just one.” Carriers must have software updated on cell tower base stations and also have enough available spectrum in reserve if needed.
Verizon recently announced that carrier aggregation has rolled out in 461 of its nationwide markets, and industry insiders told Fortune that the carrier has less unused spectrum than the competition. Fortune noted that LTE could bridge the gap for customers who are clamoring for a speed increase before highly-anticipated 5G comes, years from now.
AT&T also rolled out LTE-Advanced in some markets, but the technology only suits customers who live in LTE-compatible areas. Currently, LTE-Advanced only works with certain phones, but Fortune noted that some recent offerings from Samsung and Apple are compatible with carrier aggregation. Extra spectrum offered and needed varies according to geographic location as well.
T-Mobile and Sprint also are in the carrier aggregation market.T-Mobile launched Extended Range LTE in 300 markets at the end of 2015, and Sprint threw its hat in the ring in April with LTE Plus in 191 markets. Fortune reported that Sprint announced further testing and rollouts in 237 markets.
Industry insiders are unsure of LTE-Advanced’s capabilities, including the exact range of coverage and the maximum reported speed of 225 Mbps or more. Verizon told Fortune that “even when carrier aggregation kicks in, customers’ maximum download speeds will increase generally by only 50 percent over regular LTE.”
Reader Interactions