LTE is widely perceived to save network operators costs because it gives greater coverage than older technologies, cutting down on the number of cell sites, towers, antennas and base stations with routers and other gear needed as usage increases. In addition to offering greater in-building coverage, LTE offers lower latency in making connections to the Internet.

Chu maintained that Sprint's networks will allow smooth transitions from LTE to 3G, where needed, compared to Verizon's network architecture.

Asked whether greater LTE network efficiencies might yield lower monthly bills for customers, Chu and other officials laughed. "It means bills might not go up as much," he said.

Matt Hamblen covers mobile and wireless, smartphones and other handhelds, and wireless networking for Computerworld. Follow Matt on Twitter at or subscribe to . His email address is .

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