Verizon Wireless Announces Updates to 4G LTE 700 MHz Devices Specifications

Verizon Wireless has released updated specifications for wireless devices that will run on the nationwide Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G network it is building on the Upper 700 MHz C-Block spectrum.

 

The new version contains key updates, clarifications and additions that can be found at www.verizonwireless-opendevelopment.com.

Verizon Wireless released its initial set of technical specifications in April through the Open Development Initiative. This initiative allows developers to design devices and applications for use on the Verizon Wireless network.

The specifications provide guidelines for both access and data transport for LTE devices. Officials said these LTE device specifications will be a roadmap for developers who choose to develop devices for submission to the LTE certification process.

Verizon Wireless, along with co-owner Vodafone, had first announced its plans to develop and deploy LTE in late 2007. They also announced trials beginning 2008 with the help of equipment suppliers including Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia-Siemens, and Nortel.

Verizon Wireless expects to commercially launch its LTE 4G network in up to 30 markets in 2010, covering 100 million people. The company has aggressive growth plans to deploy LTE nationwide by 2013. The LTE network will ultimately connect a full range of electronics devices and machines.

Marking the next step in LTE deployment, Verizon Wireless recently announced the completion of its first successful LTE 4G data call over its 700 MHz spectrum in Boston and Seattle, based on the 3GPP Release 8 standard. In both locations, the data calls were executed on commercial infrastructure platforms.

The data calls involved streaming video, file uploads and downloads, and Web browsing. More importantly, Verizon Wireless has successfully made data calls using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to enable voice transmissions over the LTE 4G network.

Verizon completed the data call with the help of its technology partners including Alcatel-Lucent (Boston) and Ericsson (Seattle) for base station/radio access network, LG and Samsung for trial devices, and Starent Networks and Nokia Siemens Networks for network equipment.