Verizon Wireless announced today that its 4G Long Term Evolution
(LTE) network field trials in the U.S. have demonstrated wireless data
speeds that are significantly faster than today's 3G network speeds.
Trials in Boston and Seattle
indicate the network is capable of peak download speeds of 40 to 50
megabits per second (Mbps) and peak upload speeds of 20 to 25 Mbps. The
speeds are significantly faster than Verizon Wireless and other
wireless providers' current or promised 3G network speeds. These speeds are faster than some DSL connections.
Verizon Wireless has been testing its forthcoming 4G LTE network in both Boston and Seattle
since August. Successful data calls involved streaming video; file
uploads and downloads, and Web browsing, as well as calls with Voice
over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to enable voice transmissions over the
LTE network. Verizon Wireless engineers report LTE average data rates
of 5-12 Mbps on the downlink and 2-5 Mbps on the uplink in real-world
environments and will offer Verizon Wireless customers mobile
browsing speeds comparable to customers' current, typical online
Internet experience.
"Our
LTE rollout plan positions Verizon Wireless to be a global leader in 4G
LTE deployment. We are on track to deliver an outstanding wireless data
experience to customers in 25 to 30 markets covering roughly 100
million people by year's end," said Tony Melone,
senior vice president and chief technical officer at Verizon Wireless.
"As device makers, manufacturers and others around the world begin to
introduce newer and faster products to take advantage of these
incredible new speeds, Verizon Wireless will be positioned to offer our
customers new and exciting products on the nation's first 4G LTE
network."
By
leveraging its 700 MHz spectrum for LTE deployment in the U.S., Verizon
Wireless is capable of quickly deploying a high-quality wireless
broadband network with excellent coverage and in-building penetration.
Verizon Wireless is currently installing LTE equipment at existing cell
sites and switching centers around the U.S. as part of its extensive,
ongoing investment in its voice and data network infrastructure.