As expected, Verizon Wireless yesterday unveiled its plans to launch its 4G LTE network. It will go live on December 5th in 38 major metropolitan areas and over 60 commercial airports. Verizon expects that customers will see download speeds between 5 and 12Mbps and upload speeds between 2 and 5Mbps.
Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless, said, “Beginning Sunday, Verizon Wireless is making the best network even better. Our initial 4G LTE launch gives customers access to the fastest and most advanced mobile network in America and immediately reaches more than one-third of all Americans, right where they live. That’s just the start. We will quickly expand 4G LTE, and by 2013 will reach the existing Verizon Wireless 3G coverage area.”
Verizon will offer two 4G LTE USB modems. The LG VL600 will be available at launch while the Pantech UML290 will follow shortly after. Both will sell for US$99.99 with a two-year contract. Mobile handsets should follow by mid-2011.
Verizon is also offering two 4G LTE Mobile Broadband data plans: 5GB for US$50 per month and 10GB for US$80 per month. Both come with US$10/GB overage surcharges.