Verizon Ends 4G Testing in Boston and Seattle

Mobile phone carrier Verizon Wireless announced on Friday that it had successfully completed the first Long Term Evolution (LTE) fourth generation (4G) data call in Boston. The test was based on the 3GPP Release 8 standard, the same as the successful one the carrier performed in Seattle. According to the company, the data calls included video streaming, file upload and download, as well as web browsing. In addition, the carrier also announced successful Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) data calls, which would enable it to make voice transmissions over the upcoming LTE 4G network.

“Verizon Wireless, with outstanding cooperation from our partner suppliers, is fully committed to harnessing the power of LTE over our 700 MHz spectrum. This combination of state-of-the-art technology and prime spectrum will soon make a ubiquitous, highly mobile, super-fast broadband experience a reality for customers. This significant milestone in our LTE 4G network testing, exemplified by the first data calls in Boston and Seattle, further validates our early support and decision to select LTE as the standard for our next-generation wireless broadband network,” stated Tony Melone, senior vice president and chief technical officer at Verizon Wireless.

The data call tests in Boston and Seattle were made over the 700 MHz spectrum. The carrier states that the successful completion of the tests is just the first step it the deployment of its LTE 4G wireless network, based on the 3GPP Release 8 standard. Moreover, the company also adds that the data calls have been made in both locations on commercial infrastructure platforms. Verizon's LTE network is being built in collaboration with companies like Alcatel-Lucent (Boston) and Ericsson (Seattle), which deliver base station/radio access network, while the trial devices come from LG and Samsung (ST-Ericsson, Motorola and Qualcomm will also provide devices in the near future). At the same time, Starent Networks and Nokia Siemens Networks provide network equipment.

Verizon also announced that 10 LTE 4G cell sites had been deployed on the 700 MHz spectrum in each location. The company chose to test the network in these markets due to their suburban and urban areas, it seems, while the tests are expected to enable the carrier and its partners to find issues and prepare for the network's rollout. The Verizon 4G network is expected to be commercially launched next year on 30 markets, providing coverage to a number of around 100 million people. At the same time, the carrier also plans full national coverage by 2013.