Are All New Towers Set Up For EVDO?

uncledave

New tower just went up down the road from me. I previously had lousy reception. With the new strong signal I got a wireless card (KPC680)and dumped my dial up. I am only getting 1XRTT service. I am getting mid-high 130 download speeds 75 to 80 upload, which isn't bad for 1xRTT and much better than I was getting on dial up. Signal is typically -70 to -80 (about 1.5 miles from tower in a bit of a hollow). I was on with tech yesterday and they pushed an new PRL to me (40029). I was able to get EVDO from another tower with similar signal strength. My assumption is that the tower near me isn't capable at least at this time. It's only been sending a signal since 1/17 and I see from the antenna location site that it looks like it only got approved for construction on 1/26. I'm trying to figure out it they just haven't completed all of the communication setup or if they won't be adding EVDO because it's not a very densely populated area (but near a busy state hwy). I also noticed in driving by last night that the tower isn't lit, no red or white lighting at all other than over the door for the communication equipment building.

Any thoughts? Sorry for the long rambling first post. I've learned a lot from this site by lurking for the last week or so.

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1068

Welcome aboard uncledave! One possibility is that it's NOT an Alltel tower. If, by chance, it's a Verizon antenna on that new tower then it would all make sense because Alltel can only roam on Verizon's 1x signal. For 1x you're getting pretty decent speeds. With PRL 40029 you're probably getting a Sprint EVDO signal from another location if you couldn't get EVDO prior to the new PRL.

Of course your theory that it's not completely up and running is a very distinct possibility as well. But I just can't imagine Alltel or anyone else going to the time and expense to erect a new tower and only put 1x on it. Wouldn't make a lot of sense to me and, of course these carriers NEVER do anything that doesn't make any sense . . . . . Wink

n8pu · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 9:08 pm Post subject:

I was in an Alltel store not to long ago and ask him if he had any idea when the towers would be upgraded near me and he told me what he had heard was some of the little phone companies that serve area like mine were dragging there feet in installing the hight speed data cables that are needed for the EV speed. I stopped using them because I didn't like their service, they still haven't changed. Evil or Very Mad

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Dave