Apple’s iPhone 4S has been a huge success for Sprint since its launch on October 14, breaking both opening day sales and activation records. For many customers, however, life with the latest iPhone on Sprint isn’t all that fun, with painfully slow data speeds throttling the iPhone’s capabilities when away from a Wi-Fi connection. According to the carrier, however, its data speeds match those offered by its competitors.
Although it was rumored that Sprint was working closely with Apple to fix the “issue” causing slow data speeds on the network, Sprint has been quick to quash these reports and insists that its network is no slower than that of its rivals.
In a statement issued to The Next Web, Sprint said:
Overall, iPhone performance on the Sprint network is consistent with our expectations and the rest of our high-end portfolio. Sprint also did bench-marking of Sprint’s iPhone against competitor’s iPhones and the testing showed little to no performance difference. We are seeing a very low return rate for this device but we are watching the reports of speed issues very closely. We do see opportunities to optimize performance, specifically in high network capacity areas. We see this as typical optimization work and do not have any specific area of concern. Sprint is committed to providing the best possible experience for our customers. We are listening to our customers and working closely with our partners at Apple to ensure optimal performance of iPhone devices on our network.
As you can see from the screenshot below, however, some users are suffering with dreadfully slow data connections on the Sprint network, even when they have full signal on the 3G network.
It’s reassuring for these users that Sprint is “watching the reports of speed issues,” and hopefully it will identify the issue and rectify it before too long.
Have you been suffering with slow data speeds with your iPhone 4S on Sprint?
Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
39 responses to “Sprint: Our iPhone 4S Data Speeds Match Competitors”
Confirmed. Speed on Sprint sucks. My friend has a verizon driod. He’s downloading at nearly 10MB and uploading at nearly 5MB, the speeds reported by Apple on the keynote that the 4S supports (14 down, 5.8 up). Sprint is no where near this. It’s dismal. If they hope to keep the boon of customers the iPhone has brought to them, they had better get speeds consistent with Verizon. I, for one, have no problem paying early termination fees. I want what I paid for and Sprint is not delivering.
Oh! It was so bad and slow. I Return mine within a week and I am glad that AT&T people really help me coming back to AT&T GF unlimited data and 200 text plan and minute I got back to AT&T. I was breathing fine.
Sure am and sometimes I never get 3G, it’s like o network or something… I had an Evo previously and it wasn’t slow at all
the 14.4Mbs Down and 5.8 Up is only for HSPA+ on AT&T ..
Sprint and Verizon only host CDMAÂ original on the iPhone. Apple has not announced plans to add a WiMax chip to their set. Verizon Droid’s latest version is hosted on LTE network which is 10 MB down.
There was one rumor where once every network becomes LTE, Apple may follow suit.
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I don’t know if they’ve tested several SpeedTest servers. They vary results. Like I tested one nearby and it was ultra slow, then another and it was the regular speed my iPhone 4 receives which is usually 4 MBPS or less.
This is about what a guy in my store is getting on his Sprint iPhone 4 here in Denver. .01 Mbps
0.01 mbps??
Lmao
I opened a new account on sprint on launch day and was excited to have my brand new iphone 4s and was even thrilled that I would have unlimited data usage. But a week later I was frustrated and ready to return the phone and close my account. Sunday I walked into an apple store (after reserving) got my iphone with AT&T and can’t be happier. Definitely sprint has got to do something to improve their speed…it’s painfully slow and lags way to much. I also got a lot of that 0 network and other times I would get something that would say extended network. While AT&T might sometimes be a rip off it’s definitely the best carrier to have your iphone on.
I’m a new Sprint customer and I am extreamly disappointed in the data speed. Sprint can dance around the issue and claim they do not see a problem but let me very clear, Sprint your data speed is not close to that of AT&T nor Verizions, it is hideous to say the least.
And can someone explain to me why it is 2011 and I can not talk and surf on Sprints network?! Are you serious?!?!?!
I’ve seen so many articles from day one about Sprint’s poor data speeds. I haven’t seen anyone happy with their service even before the 4S came out and I’m one of them. I pity the fool who didn’t listen.Â
Get your money back before it’s too late and switch to AT&T. Speeds are great and, well, let’s face it, iPhone was originally designed for a GSM network.
To answer your question, CDMA uses the same frequency for both data and voice, unlike GSM. You can’t talk and surf on Verizon either. CDMA is just about as outdated as iDEN (Nextel). Even with LTE adaptation, CDMA companies are still using CDMA for voice and running two radios at the same time is what drains your battery. In my opinion, HSPA+ (AT&T) is the only true source of 4G, talk and surf, etc.; when and where available..
It’s a loaded answer, but hopefully it does just that – answer your question.
To add, did you know that Sprint has a roaming agreement with Verizon? Think about it, a network as small and inadequate as Sprint can only offer the services they do in areas they are by switching you to a Verizon tower. My advice, leave Sprint.
2934ms ping, 0.04 download; 0.02 upload.
Sprint’s “3G” network is a freaking joke.
Leaving AT&T was the worst mistake I’ve ever made.
I get that that Sprint’s speeds suck, but here’s my quandary:
On AT&T now, but going with Sprint would save me at least $35/mo., and they seem to be some sort contracted provided with my employer (our building just got wired up like a Christmas tree with cone-shaped Sprint repeaters on every floor).
What’s a brother to do?
I got terrible customer service with AT&T. Always extra fees tacked on to my bill every month that I would have to call to have removed. Every. Single. Month.
I’m now on Verizon with my iPhone. Great customer service.. The CSR’s seem to have a genuine care for any problems I’ve run into, and are quick to assist. Sprint, however, was similar to AT&T in service.
That said, I get speeds on Verizon, just the same as I did with AT&T, but I also don’t have to put up with fees that they randomly decide to slap on each bill.
I sure do love surfing and talking at the same time with my iPhone.
^_^ shut up jerk
My sprint speed averages about 300K upload and 400K download. Â I’m in St. Louis w/ 5 bars coverage.
I cant believe this is truth.
I got ATT and always do test my iphone 4s… And got 3.5mbps & 2.95 up…, that is a big difference.. Wow.. I cant believe how low is Sprint.
I cant believe this is truth.
I got ATT and always do test my iphone 4s… And got 3.5mbps & 2.95 up…, that is a big difference.. Wow.. I cant believe how low is Sprint.