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Re-activateDuring a conference call today, Verizon detailed the long-awaited rollout of its 4G network based on long-term evolution (LTE) technology. Verizon LTE promises faster network speeds and brings the carrier closer to Sprint, which has had 4G capacity since 2008.
The new service, now more than a year behind schedule, will be available in 38 markets on December 5. These include Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, and about 60 commercial airports. LTE service promises average download speeds of 5 to 10 megabits per second (mbps) and upload speeds of between 2 to 5 Mbps. That's about about 5 to 10 times faster than a typical 3G connection. By comparison, Sprint promises data speeds of between 3 to 10 mbps for laptop users and a maximum of 5 mbps for smart phones.
Pricing begins at $50 a month for 5 gigabytes and $80 a month for 10GB. Verizon charges $10 more per GB above your plan's allowance. Sprint charges $60 per month for unlimited 4G access, but places a 5GB cap when its 4G users roam into 3G-only territory.
No 4G phone was announced, but Verizon did unveil a new 4G modem for laptops called the LG VL600 ($99, pictured), also available on December 5. The VL600 will downshift to the carrier's 3G network when a 4G connection isn't available. It supports Windows-based devices but not Macs.
—Mike Gikas
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