700MHz phone benefits?

samlor on 24/11/2015 - 12:13

In light of recent cheap deals on phones equipped with the 700 MHz frequency band 28 such as https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/221348 I want/need to know what benefits I may be missing out on with a phone that does not have it.

I have read a bit and roughly understand the technical merits of the providers deployment of this feature but can not seem to find much information on real reported experience of what practical difference it makes to users

For reference I work in the Sydney CBD and live trapped in the Eastern Suburbs :-) using data more than text more than calls on a dual SIM Samsung Galaxy S5 that I am somewhat fond of so would only like to upgrade if it makes a significant difference/improvement.

Mobile

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 24/11/2015 - 12:19
    +1

    Its explained here
    http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/10/what-is-4gx/

    But the nitty gritty is:

    Being twice the bandwidth of Telstra’s existing 1800MHz and 900MHz allocations, you can reasonably expect theoretical and practical download speeds to double, or even more, when you’re using a 700MHz device.

    Telstra quotes 2Mbps to 75Mbps speeds for 4GX Category 4 devices — that’s the LG G3s, Samsung Galaxy S5s, Sony Xperia Z3s and iPhone 6s that are already out in Australia.

    and

    The APT700 band — that’s 4GX — forms one half of Telstra’s fledgling LTE-Advanced Category 6 mobile data network, which will fuse together data channels from 700MHz and 1800MHz frequencies to further accelerate download speeds. In trials, Telstra has hit 450Mbps download rates on LTE-A, which is three times the theoretical limit of a single 4G band.

    Too long didn't read?

    You should have a 700mhz capable device because it gets you faster internet. .

    • samlor on 24/11/2015 - 12:48

      Thank you for link/response but that article is over a year old and didn't contain anything I hadn't already heard/read. Some of the comments are more recent but ultimately the question I am trying to answer is: "Is it worth upgrading?". I know this will depend on many cost/benefit factors. I recently switched from Telstra pre-paid to take advantage of this Amaysim deal https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/219043 on the Optus nextwork and not only is the data cheaper but it appears to be faster and more reliable. speedtest.net currently reports ping: 18ms, down: 18.78Mbps, up: 14.50Mbps in my office building in the dense Sydney CBD and it also subjectively feels faster browsing/hotspotting to/from home/work on the bus. I don't download a lot but appreciate/want responsive mobile Internet. Perhaps I should just try a 700MHz phone/device and compare for myself, if it is a cheap exercise otherwise I might try to eek out some more use from my last-gen flagship phone.

      • SydStrand on 24/11/2015 - 16:13
        +1

        "Is it worth upgrading?"

        If you like your current phone, stick with it. However, when you inevitably upgrade, it'll be a Band 28 phone anyway, because all the newest ones support it. It's faster and more reliable, but I wouldn't spend hundreds just for faster LTE. Just wait till it's a more natural upgrade path.

    • [Deactivated] on 24/11/2015 - 13:39
      +1

      The even better reason - above faster speeds - is basic any4G reception, over 3G, in places previously unavailable, or unreliable.

      The lower the frequency, the farther signal/packets will reliably travel, bounce and penetrate buildings.

      The reason that Telstra (for 3G) use 850MHz as lower-end link (universally), Optus 900MHz (universally), and Vodafone 900 +850(in various places, post 'voda-fail' saga), is for wider coverage not afforded by 2100MHz.

      In outer suburbs, rural and regional, many people have been relying solely on Telstra's 850MHz connection for mobile data.

      Huge 4G area coverage rollout, by both Telstra and Optus, using 700MHz Band 28, will change all that for huge numbers of people, including cliff-falling bushwalkers who don't carry EPIRBS.
      May also benefit tech-savvy wildlife in need of a vet.

      I presume that you've seen this, OP, but these Optus maps in this article, will give you some idea of the increased coverage on the way - with faster speed.

  • marquise on 24/11/2015 - 14:11
    +1

    I'd like to hear some real world examples of where 4GX (700Mhz) gives greater benefits in speed or reception. I've had a 4GX phone for the last year and can't say I've noticed any benefits. Was in a melb CBD bar with shitty reception the other night and wasn't even getting a 4G signal.

    I've just switched to a non-4GX phone so I will be able to tell if there is any deterioration in my network experience.

    • [Deactivated] on 24/11/2015 - 14:29
      +2

      I reckon the rollout by both Telstra and Optus is happening quickly, but with a very long way to go and with main focus, initially, on rural and regional.

      In any case, intent is not really to bolster other-frequency coverage in CBD and inner suburbs, where reception is considered (by the telco) to be ok, even when it's not.

      You may not notice any difference for a while, or maybe even none that is specifically 700MHz-related, if you never leave the city.

      • marquise on 24/11/2015 - 14:33
        +1

        Yup, that is the conclusion I'm coming to… no noticeable difference for city dwellers for now. So I'm feeling better about switching to a phone that is missing 700Mhz and will roll my eyes when people keep highlighting that a phone is missing 700Mhz.

        I'm all for future-proofing… but in my (and I'm sure many people's) experience, I upgrade my phone too quickly for it to matter.

        • [Deactivated] on 24/11/2015 - 14:47
          +2

          A long way from anywhere else, but big benefit currently for people in Perth and Darwin / surroundings, apparently.

          They were first with trial-approval rollout of any city 700.

          Hope for others. :)

  • samlor on 24/11/2015 - 15:17

    Thank you all for responding. I might continue with my current primary 4G phone for now unless I can confirm significant improved city performance akin to when I first got a new 4G phone in mid-2013 when upgrading to 4G seemed to offer considerable performance improvement in part due to reduced/increased 3G pricing/popularity driving heavy usage/uptake, IIRC.

    • samlor on 25/11/2015 - 12:16

      Couldn't resist this deal https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/221448 on a cheap Telstra 4GX Buzz with bonus Monster DNA on-ear headphones for $53.20 delivered (including $10 cashback from cashrewards.com.au) so I will try it out to compare.

      • marquise on 25/11/2015 - 12:41
        +1

        So the Buzz won't be your daily driver, but just for testing right? Since you have an S5, I'm assuming you won't be replacing it with a budget phone.

        • samlor on 25/11/2015 - 14:01

          Yep, exactly, thanks.

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