LTE Phone From Verizon Expected Mid-2011
Approximately 3-6 months after it rolls out its faster 4G
network based on the LTE standard, Verizon Wireless is
expected to begin offering a phone that will take advantage of LTE's faster speeds. According
to Anthony Melone, chief technology officer at Verizon, the first LTE phones
will have two radio chip sets. This will enable them to work on both LTE networks
as well as today's existing networks which are based on CDMA technology.
Before Verizon Wireless launches a phone that's LTE compatible, it will offer LTE data cards that can be used with laptops. In doing so, Verizon Wireless will follow a similar path as Clearwire and Sprint, who currently offer a WiMAX data card for laptops. Sprint is currently working on a WiMAX phone, which is expected to be available in mid-2010.
Verizon has said it plans to have 25 to 30 U.S. markets on the faster LTE service by the end of 2010. The network is currently being trialed in Boston and Seattle. Based on the trials, the network is capable of peak download speeds of 40 to 50Mbps and peak upload speeds of 20 to 25Mbps. The tests have also demonstrated average LTE data rates of 5-12 Mbps on the downlink and 2-5 Mbps on the uplink.
Before Verizon Wireless launches a phone that's LTE compatible, it will offer LTE data cards that can be used with laptops. In doing so, Verizon Wireless will follow a similar path as Clearwire and Sprint, who currently offer a WiMAX data card for laptops. Sprint is currently working on a WiMAX phone, which is expected to be available in mid-2010.
Verizon has said it plans to have 25 to 30 U.S. markets on the faster LTE service by the end of 2010. The network is currently being trialed in Boston and Seattle. Based on the trials, the network is capable of peak download speeds of 40 to 50Mbps and peak upload speeds of 20 to 25Mbps. The tests have also demonstrated average LTE data rates of 5-12 Mbps on the downlink and 2-5 Mbps on the uplink.
