Is AT&T Misleading About HSPA+ on the Inspire 4G?

So here's the situation: 100% of the time, when testing the Inspire 4G, we see the "H+" icon in the notification bar. The user manual says that this means that we are "Connected to 4G." And yet, we're not getting HSPA+ speeds. In fact, as this video shows, we're getting speeds slower than a Nexus One running on AT&T's 3G network, despite having full bars. In practice, according to AT&T, their HSPA+ network should be providing speeds of "up to 6mbps".

We're pretty sure the indicator is misleading. Not only are our data speeds confirming this, but if you go into Network Settings on the Inspire 4G, it clearly shows either UMTS or HSDPA as the network type. If we were on HSPA+ as the indicator implies, we'd see this reflected. And this isn't an isolated issue with our review unit: other reviewers that we've spoken to are experiencing the same issue.

We reached out to AT&T for a response. This is what they told us:

Below is the language we've used (since CES) to talk about HSPA+ buildout, Brandon. It's worth noting that we haven't yet hit the public launch date of the Inspire 4G -- as we get closer to that I should be able to share more information about the icon. But the below information is solid with respect to our HSPA+ buildout. And this was the link I mentioned earlier where Seth (another Seth) saw 6 MB down on his Inspire 4G demo unit.

AT&T operates the nation's fastest mobile broadband network today, and it's getting faster in 2011 with 4G. AT&T is the only U.S. company committed to delivering 4G using both HSPA+ and LTE technologies -- providing a faster and more consistent experience for customers. The company announced plans today to accelerate its LTE network build, to be largely complete by yearend 2013; AT&T plans to begin its launch of LTE service in mid 2011. Additionally, the company said it has completed its deployment of HSPA+ to virtually 100 percent of its mobile broadband network which enables 4G speeds when combined with Ethernet or fiber backhaul. The company is rapidly expanding Ethernet and fiber to cell sites nationwide -- adding new cell sites weekly -- and by yearend, expects that nearly two-thirds of its mobile broadband traffic will be on expanded backhaul.

Today, AT&T is already seeing 4G speeds on its existing HSPA+ network with enhanced backhaul in areas of key markets. In these areas, AT&T is seeing network speeds up to approximately 6 Mbps** -- and expects these speeds will increase as it accelerates its LTE build and further deploys expanded backhaul.

The marketing copy here makes it seem that "100 percent" of AT&T subscribers have access to HSPA+. This is not the case, unless "enhancements" have been made to backhaul. But what areas in the US have this enhanced backhaul? AT&T doesn't make this public, so it's impossible to know. I've traveled within a 50 mile radius of my apartment, and didn't once clock speeds that might be HSPA+.

Ok, so we understand that launching a new network technology takes time. We can't expect for AT&T to literally flip a switch and have faster speeds available for everyone. But it's highly misleading that the indicator of the Inspire 4G shows "H+" at all times. It should change to "3G" when the faster speeds are not available. Is that so difficult?

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• 4gspeeds

[panadevulpe]

AT&T is the most evil company

[JunierMahri246]

That's why I'm glad I'm in Verizon network

[ThunderShock2005]

that's really sketch.

[Metalguy696]

Mine says HSDPA? That means....? I know I got 6M on speed test on download, that's pretty damn good with the mobile network on? So that means I'm at 4G?

[sourDeez2]

Tmobile did this to me with the g2x I was getting 6-7mb down and 1-3mb up and then a year later I can't even get 1mb down!!! My phone would say 4g at the top and full bars and when I called to ask them about it they tried to get me out of my old unlimited data plan....I'll never go with tmobile ever again.

[memokoala]

I also got upset when I bought the phone and notice the speeds for a "4G" phone. Honestly my HP iPad 910c it's like 4 years older and pulled 3mbps on 3G. This HTC pulls less and it's been advertised as 4G but now Att came out with the BullISH that it's 4G not 4G LTE. Sooo SHADY

[barrypopins]

This is a very good video. I have noticed here in southeastern Michigan that the ping times are horrible too but I do get 3-6 Mbps download and 1-1.5 on the uploads. My phone also displays H+ and in the phone info it does indeed show the phone is on the HSDPA network. I think AT&T is capping everyone big time because I use a different speed test site that gives the network capacity speed which is consistantly at 28-30 Mb/s. The site is myspeed.visualware. c o m

[deobiho]

You are correct , I was in confrontation with att here in Texas , when I proved they are steering money by misleading on 4G speed , they have even send police to intimidate me , but I still fight until they return my money back ...stand up brothers stand up for our rights

[spaided]

ATT thats why...T-mobile all the way!

[288noodleboy]

Wow thank u, I will be getting an explanation because I'm using an inspire 4g from ATT, I'm pissed to say the least

[lambition]

that is normal for AT&T.

AT&T has horrible mobile network. Wish I stayed with Verizon.

[michaeljdrone]

@john5600100 no it doesnt have to be rooted its just a launcher not a ROM