14 DAY TRIAL // Today, mobile phone carrier Verizon Wireless announced officially plans to fire up its 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) Mobile Broadband network in a number of 38 markets around the United States come Sunday, December 5th. According to the wireless carrier, this would mark the largest 4G LTE roll-out in the world, not to mention that it expects for the network to prove the fastest 4G solution in the country. Through LTE, customers would benefit from speeds that are up to 10 times faster than on the company’s 3G airwaves.
In real world, Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network is expected to offer speeds ranging from 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink, and from 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
“Beginning Sunday, Verizon Wireless is making the best network even better,” Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless, said.
“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.”
The wireless carrier also announced new value-priced 4G LTE Mobile Broadband data plans to go along with the roll-out. One option starts at $50 monthly access for 5 GB monthly allowance, but an $80 monthly access for 10 GB monthly allowance option was also put in place.
Not to mention that Big Red's customers interested in taking full advantage of the new speeds would have two new 4G LTE USB modems available for them, namely the LG VL600, on sale at launch, and the Pantech UML290, available soon.
Both USB modems will sport a price tag of $99.99 after a $50 rebate and upon the signing of a new two-year agreement. These devices will also offer support for the wireless carrier's 3G network, so that users can benefit from connectivity even when outside the 4G coverage.
“We are building our 4G LTE network with the same commitment to performance and reliability for which we have long been recognized,” Mead continued.
“Our commitment to superior network performance, combined with broad 4G coverage areas and the strong value of our data plans make 4G LTE Mobile Broadband the best choice for laptop users.”
As previously announced, Verizon plans on making the 4G LTE network available in 38 major metropolitan areas, as well as in more than 60 commercial airports coast to coast. Additional details on the company's plans in the area can be found on the special website it put in place here.