Atlanta to get Sprint's 4G LTE network July 15

Sprint's customers in Atlanta and four other cities will be able to start using the wireless carrier's high-speed 4G LTE network starting July 15.

The new network will let customers send photos and video more quickly. Websites and streaming video also will load faster.

Sprint, the nation's No. 3 wireless carrier, is transitioning from the 4G WiMAX network that it developed with Clearwire in 2008. The company has started selling five smartphones that can operate on the 4G LTE network.

Sprint Chief Executive Officer Dan Hesse made the company's 4G LTE network announcement in Atlanta Wednesday.

Verizon Wireless started its 4G LTE network in December 2010. Atlanta-based AT&T Mobility launched its 4G LTE network the following September.

Hesse told reporters the 4G network uses spectrum airwaves more efficiently, allowing five times the amount of voice and data traffic to travel at an even faster rate.