14 DAY TRIAL // Verizon's CTO, Dick Lynch, stated recently that the company planned to operate an LTE upgrade for its wireless network. According to Lynch, Verizon Wireless has selected Ericsson and Alcatel-Lucent as the main network vendors for its initial LTE network roll-outs. The two companies should deploy the underlying infrastructure that would allow Verizon Wireless to be the first carrier to offer commercial LTE-based services in the United States starting next year.
According to Lynch, Verizon will be able to deliver global wireless broadband connectivity and mobility through the LTE network deployment. LTE will offer users higher bandwidth and low latency services, and will also mobilize many of the most used applications. He also added that Starent Networks was another vendor that would contribute to the roll-out of Verizon's LTE network.
At the same time, the mobile phone operator also announced that Nokia Siemens Networks and Alcatel-Lucent would be the key suppliers for the IP Multi-Media Subsystem (IMS) network. IMS is another technology that will allow Verizon to further enhance its network infrastructure. The company plans to offer IMS-based IP converged applications and services on both of its wireless and landline broadband networks.
The deployment of commercial services over Verizon Wireless’ LTE network and the enhancements brought to the company's FiOS fiber network are meant to leverage the company's broadband capabilities to meet future demands. According to Lynch, the LTE network costs fit into the company’s overall program as it shifts from old technologies to newer ones.
Verizon Wireless and Vodafone have been testing 4G LTE networks in Minneapolis, Columbus, Ohio, and Northern New Jersey in the United States, and in Budapest, Dusseldorf, and Madrid in Europe. According to the two, the tests have showed download rates of 50 to 60 Mbps peak speeds. Verizon Wireless plans to expand trials this summer, while the LTE network should be commercially available in 2010.
“Vodafone is pleased to endorse Verizon Wireless’ decision to select these vendors as part of their LTE deployment plans in the United States,” said Steve Pusey, global chief technology officer for Vodafone. “As well as supporting these plans for the United States market, Vodafone continues to work in close cooperation with Verizon Wireless on a range of initiatives designed to drive the commercial development of LTE, including an extensive program of trials.”
Verizon Wireless will also create a Verizon LTE Innovation Center, based in Waltham, Mass. The new center, helped by Ericsson and Alcatel-Lucent, will turn into the catalyst for early development of non-traditional products to be used on the LTE networks. Other companies have already expressed their interest in the center.