It seemed that Verizon was getting a bit aggressive when it projected launching LTE in 30 markets next year. There’s just so much that needs to happen between then and now, but once against we’re reminded that when Big Red has the competition in its crosshairs, do not underestimate them. As a sign that things are moving along swimmingly, Verizon announced that they successfully made an LTE data connection in Boston and in Seattle. This is just another step for Verizon, which still plans to follow its ambitious schedule.
The focus of LTE at the beginning will be the mobile Internet. Because there is no set calling standard — carriers expect a VoIP platform, but that has a number of issues, including 911 calls, which must be worked out before they can even think about voice — the focus will be on modems and other non-voice apps at the beginning. The speeds will be advertised at 7 to 12 Mbps downlink and 3 to 5 Mbps uplink at the outset.
As LTE’s launch approaches, WiMax continues to lose its advantage. Just as a quick anecdote, I was in Las Vegas last week and saw nothing in regards to WiMax. It’s been officially launched there, and the Internet generally sucks in Vegas. Had there been any mass marketing effort at all (hint: billboards might do well on the stip), I might have tried out that route, rather than using the awful hotel connection.
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