With the introduction of the HTC Evo 4G by Sprint, it has created the first phone primed and ready for the fourth generation broadband networks on mobile phones. The 4g WiMax network, which is a partnered endeavor by the Sprint carrier system and Clearwire, boasts speeds up to ten times quicker than the third generation or 3g network speeds available on other wireless companies. This means that downloading speeds can eclipse previous DSL comparable rates by trumping in at 6 megabits per second (Mbps)! Although these downloading speeds will vary by region, anything close to those rates is absolutely mind-boggling. You can easily download an mp3 or short video in seconds!

The network has been tested at the downloading rates came in at 11 Mbps to 13 Mbps in optimal settings while inhibited areas came in around 2 Mbps. These rates are comparable to DSL and all the way to FiOS – clearly generating excitement as a home broadband replacement. This niche has only really been slightly tapped with Verizon’s home FiOs, but Sprint definitely sees the potential as a first in the market. Sprint spokesman, Mark Elliot, says that the Sprint 4g network is an excellent opportunity for consumers who are looking to choose a wireless provider over the standard DSL, Cable and fiber optic standards currently available. The 4g Sprint networking service is currently accessible to 32 U.S markets and is hoping to expand by 120 million people by the end of this year.

Since the Evo 4G has hit the marketplace, many people have opted to abandon their home broadband services by utilizing the available speed of their mobile. This, however, is not without added expense and other limitations that can arise with choosing this approach. About $30 extra a month is needed to create a mobile hotspot and that’s not including the $80 per month Evo service fee. Since the Evo is also a WiFi hotspot, in can connect up to 8 devices at a time without the need of an Overdrive. Thus, the money is being used to replace not just the service, but the need of a router. Luckily, these fees are highly competitive with the going rates in the market for DSL and cable broadband. AT&T, for example, has a $35 fee for a dainty 1.5 Mbps downloading rate on DSL.

However, some potential issues can arise in the transitioning from home broadband to a mobile one. If you plan to be the sole user for your mobile network, it will probably work out perfectly – providing your signal is quite strong. However, if you have a multi-member household things can get complicated. If you leave your house with your phone, the other people are pretty much out of luck, unless they too own an Evo.

Some consumers can wait until 2011 when AT&T and Verizon offer a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) service that runs a 8.55 Mbps downstream and 2.8 Mbps upstream. Nevertheless, this competition is healthy and beneficial to the consumers as it aimed to have affordable rates and a general transitory goal for all mobile users.

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