If you're a big fan of LTE (long term evolution) mobile data, AT&T has news.

The wireless provider announced it's deployed true LTE service in the Moscow-Pullman area.

So, to confuse things, the way mobile connectivity works, LTE is considered important because it qualifies as “true 4G” service. True 4G data speeds are generally 10 times faster than mobile 3G networks.

Verizon, Spring and AT&T all offer 4G service in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene.  Verizon can properly claim to be the first wireless carrier with LTE service in Spokane.

AT&T hasn't said when it will bring LTE service into Spokane. At present, it offers a hybrid network here called 4G HSPA+. And that, according to an AT&T spokesman, is roughly four times faster than 3G.

If you're a big fan of LTE (long term evolution) mobile data, AT&T has news.

The wireless provider announced it's deployed true LTE service in the Moscow-Pullman area.

So, to confuse things, the way mobile connectivity works, LTE is considered important because it qualifies as “true 4G” service. True 4G data speeds are generally 10 times faster than mobile 3G networks.

Verizon, Spring and AT&T all offer 4G service in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene.  Verizon can properly claim to be the first wireless carrier with LTE service in Spokane.

AT&T hasn't said when it will bring LTE service into Spokane. At present, it offers a hybrid network here called 4G HSPA+. And that, according to an AT&T spokesman, is roughly four times faster than 3G.

This week, T-Mobile announced it's upgraded and unleashed a new, more robust 4G service for Spokane-area customers. Last week Verizon Wireless also released a 4G upgrade for area subscribers.

Here's part of the release from T-Mobile:

Today, T-Mobile announced it is doubling the speed of its 4G network in the Spokane area, providing customers with increased capacity, reliability and even more consistent, faster speeds.

T-Mobile currently offers more than a dozen 4G-capable devices spanning smartphones, tablets and mobile broadband products that will benefit from America’s Largest 4G Network™. The company has seen average download speeds approaching 10Mbps with peak speeds of 27Mbps on the T-Mobile Rocket 3.0 laptop stick—the company’s first 42Mbps device.

The map of the upgrade includes a wide range of the city, including Riverfront Park, SFCC, Gonzaga University, Riverside State Park, Spokane Fairgrounds, Avista, downtown, and the Spokane Arena.

Notably, the upgrade also includes Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene.

Anyone in Sandpoint a T-Mobile customer who can see if the upgrade has occurred there, as well?

Meanwhile: federal regulators are still quietly looking at the proposed acquisition of T-Mobile by AT&T. No news recently on which way the winds are blowing on that topic.
  

Verizon launches its sales blitz of the iPhone 4 with stores here opening bright and early Thursday.

We know the River Park Square Verizon location will open two hours early, at 7 a.m., to meet the first wave of buyers. Doors to the atrium will open at 4 a.m. to let shoppers get the line started.

All other River Park Square stores will open at 10 a.m.

Other Verizon stores in the region are likely following suit.

An assistant manager at the downtown store said the staff is gathering in RPS at 4:30 a.m. to prepare.

RPS is owned and operated by the Cowles Co., which also operates The Spokesman-Review.