Can You Hear Them Now? Verizon to Double Down on LTE in 2012.

It's becoming clearer, almost by the day, that 4G LTE is the weapon of choice for mobile connectivity. With AT&T steadily rolling a wider network – and other networks like Sprint, T-Mobile and even Cricket getting into the fray – it's clear that 4G is only going to improve. To that end, Verizon went on record with a plan to substantially boost their network, fully doubling its coverage by the end of 2012.

Assuming the Mayans aren't proven correct.

By the time the ball drops on 2013, Verizon's 4G LTE coverage will be operating in 400 different markets across the United States, providing 4G LTE service to over 260 million Americans. Moreover, Verizon intends to only offer up 4G LTE compatible phones at its retail locations for the rest of 2012, demonstrating their commitment to getting the service up and operational.

Today marks the launching of 4G LTE service in a variety of locations mostly throughout the south and including new areas of Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Texas, with further expansions of the 4G LTE service where they’re already pending throughout the Midwest.

And while Verizon's 4G LTE network was never what you'd call “lacking,” operating in around 200 markets, they weren't well-represented in terms of sales. A third of all smartphones were reportedly 4G-capable, but only five percent of customers pursued Verizon's network.

Naturally, those numbers are always somewhat fluctuating, and as Verizon adds more capability and improves current service quality, it's clear they should pull in more users to populate the network. Even better, a new iPhone is likely on its way, and if Verizon has an improved network up and running when it lands, they'll be able to give their marketing some serious bite.

And since reports say Verizon's network is already faster than AT&T's network within Los Angeles, Verizon should be able to start knocking on the door at any time. Can you hear them now?