Verizon Details LTE Launch Plans

Verizon Wireless today announced its plans for deploying LTE 4G technology. The company will launch its LTE network commercially in 2010 using its recently-acquired 700 MHz spectrum, which covers the entire US, excluding Alaska. The technology has been tested to deliver peak speeds of 50-60 Mbps, although typical real-world speeds are yet to be determined. In addition to more populated areas, the company plans to deploy LTE in rural areas not covered by land-based broadband. Verizon has already been testing LTE in existing spectrum in Minneapolis, Columbus, and New Jersey, and will expand those trials this summer in the 700 MHz band. Once the commercial network launches in 2010, the company plans "aggressive deployment throughout Verizon Wireless' entire network, including areas not currently covered by the existing Verizon Wireless footprint." The company has chosen Ericsson and Alcatel-Lucent as primary network vendors, Starent as a packet core vendor, and Nokia Siemens and Alcatel-Lucent as key suppliers for a new IMS network that will deliver new converged multimedia services.