Verizon Wireless announces 4G progress

Verizon Wireless said it completed its first successful data calls involving next-generation Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology in both Boston and Seattle using its licenses in the 700 MHz band. The operator said the data calls involved streaming video, file uploads and downloads and web browsing. Verizon Wireless also said it made successful data calls using VoIP to enable voice service over LTE using its commercial infrastructure platform.

Verizon Wireless CTO Tony Melone told the Associated Press that the results of the trial indicate LTE will supply average download speeds of 7 to 12 Mbps.

The technology partners involved with the data calls included Alcatel-Lucent for the Boston market and Ericsson in the Seattle market for base station and RAN equipment. LG and Samsung offered the trial devices while Starent Networks and Nokia Siemens Networks provided other network pieces. Verizon said devices, presumably data devices such as USB modems, from LG and Samsung will soon be supplemented by devices from ST-Ericsson, Motorola and Qualcomm.

Verizon said Boston and Seattle each now have 10 LTE 4G cell sites up and running on the 700 MHz spectrum. Verizon Wireless expects to commercially launch its LTE 4G network in up to 30 markets in 2010, covering 100 million people. 

For more:
- check out this release
- see this AP story

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