For Verizon, vigorous velocity
A faster, mobile Internet is quickly becoming reality, as Verizon is the latest wireless carrier to announce its entry to the 4G wireless market. The Long Term Evolution mobile broadband network will be turned on in 38 cities and 60 airports, including Las Vegas, on Sunday.
A Verizon statement today said the new network will be up to 10 times faster than the company's current 3G network.
A pair of wireless modems for laptop computers are the first products to take advantage of the LTE network. The LG VL600 will be available at launch, and the Pantech UML290 will be available soon, according to the Verizon statement. The modems will cost $99.99 after a $50 rebate. A two-year service contract is required. Data plans start at $50 per month for 5 gigabits of service or $80 for 10 GB, with a $10 GB overage charge.
Customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/4Glte to get more information about the network and see whether their addresses are included in the initial coverage area.
Verizon said consumer telephones using the LTE network are expected by mid- 2011.
Still no official word about the Apple iPhone joining the Verizon offerings.
Stay tuned.
