Verizon LTE Wireless Reaches 60Mbps; to be Launched in 2010

Verizon seems to be on the right track with its 4G LTE network launch. The LTE network is being tested in three metro areas and those lucky enough to be able to test it have reported peak wireless speeds of 60Mbps. The commercial launch has been confirmed and by 2010 Verizon will officially launch it.

Although LTE is a derived technology from GSM networks, Verizon seems ready to use it although its different than its current CDMA network. At the MWC, Verizon's CTO Dick Lynch said about the LTE network:

Utilizing their existing spectrum, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone have been field testing 4G LTE networks in Minneapolis, Columbus, Ohio, and Northern New Jersey in the United States, as well as in Budapest, Düsseldorf, and Madrid in Europe, with a variety of network infrastructure providers. These field trials have demonstrated download rates of 50 to 60 Mbps peak speeds, though actual average download results will not be determined until the commercial launch of the new Verizon Wireless LTE network. Utilizing its recently acquired 700 MHz spectrum, Verizon Wireless will expand trials this summer, and Lynch said the company will commercially launch its LTE network in 2010. Once the initial rollout is complete, plans are in place for aggressive deployment throughout Verizon Wireless' entire network, including areas not currently covered by the existing Verizon Wireless footprint.

If LTE becomes reality for Verizon Wireless we might see it used by Vodafone too around the world and probably more major carriers will be interested in developing similar 4G networks.