Verizon LTE network now covers 304 markets in the United States, about 2/3rd of the population. Verizon Wireless added 46 new markets this week and improved coverage in 22 existing regions. By the end of 2012 Verizon expects their LTE network will cover 260 million people in more than 400 markets. Here’s a full list of LTE markets.
Verizon says 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 Mbps on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside of 4G LTE coverage areas, devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network.
“Our aggressive 4G LTE network build-out is on track, providing our customers with the largest 4G LTE network in the United States – and the world – today, said Nicola Palmer, chief technical officer of Verizon Wireless. We will continue to expand and strengthen our 4G LTE network and plan to offer full nationwide coverage everywhere we have 3G coverage today, by the end of 2013.”
The four national US operators offering or announcing LTE service include
- AT&T’s LTE service (above) now covers some 41 markets, covering over 74 million people. AT&T expects its LTE deployment to be largely complete by year-end 2013.
- Verizon’s LTE service now covers more than 200 million POPs in 300 markets. By the end of 2012 it will cover 260 million people in more than 400 markets.
- Sprint says Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and San Antonio are expected to have LTE on their new PCS band. Initial devices that run on their FD-LTE network are currently available. Sprint is the last major carrier to offer unlimited data, and it plans to continue that policy when its LTE network launches.
- T-Mobile USA intends to launch LTE in 2013 in the AWS band.
- Clear WiMax coverage includes more than 120 markets and 11 million WiMAX subscribers. Clear plans TD-LTE “hotzones” in 31 markets, with initial Market Launches scheduled for early 2013, and remaining markets planned for Mid-2013. Qualcomm LTE chipsets supporting TD-LTE, in combination with other LTE FDD/TDD bands are scheduled for commercial availability later this year.
This year, more than half of all mobile phones sold will be smartphones.
See Dailywireless: U.S. Cellular Goes LTE, T-Mobile & Leap Wireless Do Spectrum Swap, C-Spire Goes LTE, AT&T Competitors: No 700MHz Roaming, Verizon-Cable Deal: Too Cozy?, Tim Cook: Apple Won’t Buy Spectrum, Dish to FCC: More Time for MSS Terrestrial Buildout
