In an interview with The Wall Street Journal (subscription required), Verizon CTO Anthony Melone revealed that the company is working to have its first 4G mobile phone out some three to six months after the launch of its LTE service. This puts Verizon about six months ahead of its previous plans.
Melone did not indicate any details about Verizon’s first 4G phone(s). But Verizon had previously revealed that its first devices will likely support both 4G and 3G to ensure that customers can use their devices even where 4G coverage is not yet available.
Verizon expects to have LTE coverage in some 30 continental U.S. markets by the end of the year. Full continental U.S. and Hawaii coverage should be completed by 2015.
Unfortunately, Melone also suggested that 4G could spell the end of unlimited data plans. Verizon could launch tiered or metered price plans with the new network.