With 4G LTE fever catching up, wireless operators are diligently working to extend the super speed services to win customers. So, it is not surprising to see that all major carriers have begun deploying the next generation network or are talking about plans to deploy it. Verizon has the largest 4G deployment so far.
The largest operator presented its 4G network coverage to the attendees of the MobileCon wireless trade show this week. As a result, Verizon Wireless would surpass its 2012 goal of covering over 400 markets with 4G LTE services. In fact, the operator claims it is two months ahead of schedule.
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However, in spite of this fast spread of 4G network, Verizon Wireless plans to follow its upgrade plan. That means, complete upgrade to 4G services will take place by the end of 2013. At that time, Verizon’s 4G network will be comparable to the current 3G coverage.
Verizon said that the launch of Apple iPhone 5 has gone well and that the network has not collapsed under pressure. Nicola Palmer, vice president of network operations for Verizon said, "We're not running that close to the edge." She further added, “People on the 4G LTE network use twice as much data as the average 3G customer. It's really transforming how we communicate, live, and work."
In comparison, the second largest carrier AT&T covers 76 markets, while Sprint Nextel is in 15 cities. Meanwhile, T-Mobile USA, which plans to merge with MetroPCS, will start building its 4G LTE network in 2013.
Edited by
Brooke Neuman
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