Sprint's Spark Phones Don't Support Simultaneous Voice/Data
Apr 3, 2014, 4:04 PM by Eric M. Zeman
Sprint today confirmed a report that its Spark smartphones cannot make phones calls and surf the web at the same time. The issue, first noticed by Consumer Reports, affects only Sprint Spark LTE smartphones and not normal LTE smartphones. For example, the first version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 released in April 2013 can conduct voice calls and data sessions over LTE at the same time, but the newer Spark version of the GS4 cannot. "Sprint Spark devices leverage eCSFB technology (enhanced Circuit Switch Fall Back) which enables single radio functionality in the handset," said Sprint in an email to Phonescoop.com. "This allows Sprint to leverage the many benefits of Network Vision, including the ability to utilize multiple CDMA and LTE spectrum bands efficiently. Simultaneous voice and LTE is not supported on new Sprint Spark devices." Sprint went on to claim, however, that Spark, which uses a tri-band LTE configuration, does offer much better data service, much better voice service, and better battery life. Phones sold by AT&T, T-Mobile, and other GSM-based operators have long been able to talk and surf at the same time.
source: Sprint
Comments
Here’s the scoop on simultaneous voice and data
Simultaneous voice and data over the carrier network, lets you be on a call, and simultaneous look something up on the Web, or use Maps/Navigation, or post on face book, or tweet, etc
And simply put
* AT&T & T-Mobile phones have simultaneous voice and data, including the iPhones.
* Verizon LTE phones have simultaneous voice and data, except the iPhones.
* Sprint LTE or WiMax phones have simultaneous voice and data, except the iPhones.
* Sprint Spark LTE phones do not have simultaneous voice and data.
LOLZ
It offers faster da...
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If I used my phone for business regularly, I would probably need a phon...
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While I would never consid...
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Unnecessarily harsh comment. The technology for 4G to 3G fallback *today* for the CDMA / LTE carr...
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Really a non-issue to me and more 90% of all subs.
And given that all other single channel LTE devices can do both voice and data on Sprint accept the iphone 5/5S this is really a non-issue. The Spark devices have lots of radios active and at this time and can't do both voice and because of it in this first generation of devices. Not a big deal future ones most likely will.
Like I've previously mentioned, I'd much rather have faster data instead. Plus people barely talk on the phone as i...
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My Thought
However, LTE together with CDMA can. With future Sprint handsets offering all these, the option is still there.
Those that want super fast data "or" clear voice calls, will benefit through Spark. Those that want simultaneous mutitasking such as Voice and Data, I believe the handsets will default to LTE and CDMA allowing the option.
If I'm correct in this thought, data intensive groups that seek just data will not effect those that want to do both due to freeing up needless spectrum for this group and still allowing respectable speed. This is a win for Sprint consumers that no other carrier would be able to offer.
Again, if I'm correct, Not eve...
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I guess the handsets do not implement all three radios.
John B.
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VoLTE
99.9% of the time it's not a limitation at all for anyone, and 100% of the time has never been a limitation for me.
But it's a useful feature for a lot of people.
"Hey where do you want to meet for lunch/dinner/coffee?"
"Let me pop open Maps/Opentable and find a place...
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one step forward and 2 steps back??
That explains a lot. I gues the CEO cannot chew gum and walk at the same time?
🙂
Asif S. Kidwai