Verizon Wireless Tests 4G Mobile Wireless Network

By: Bill Waters
Staff Writer
Published: Jan 13, 2009

Verizon Wireless is currently testing a new 4G wireless broadband network which will boost speeds and capacity for the GSM platform. The platform will compete with WiMax and will launch in the fourth quarter.

Verizon Wireless is currently testing a new 4G wireless broadband network which promises to boost speeds and capacity for the GSM platform. The mobile wireless carrier adopted the LTE (Long Term Evolution) broadband technology last month. LTE is a next-generation wireless network which promises to elevate speeds for GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) systems.

"We expect that LTE will actually be in service somewhere here in the U.S. probably this time next year," Dick Lynch, executive vice president and CTO of Verizon Communications, said in a statement.

There are two new wireless networks competing for a new 4G standard. Spring Nextel is supporting WiMax while Verizon and AT&T Mobility is throwing their support behind LTE. T-Mobile USA hasn't decided which fourth-generation to support.

Verizon wants to broaden its network into consumer electronic devices sold in retail stores. Devices such as digital cameras could automatically upload photos to the Internet, which will expand wireless capacity than just traditional human subscribers.

"Broadband capabilities will be found in virtually every electronics product out there," Lynch said.

In addition, Lynch said the carrier will deploy 100G bps (bit-per-second) for wire line customers with links on its backbone later this year. Verizon is also exploring peer-to-peer technology as a tool to deliver new content.