Testing to Begin on LTE, 4G Mobile System
Nov 29, 2007
Though the news surfaced on engadget earlier this year, Verizon has confirmed that it will begin testing of LTE in 2008.
LTE, which stands for Long-Term Evolution, is a fourth-generation wireless broadband system that competes with WiMax and Ultra-Mobile Broadband (UMB). All three are designed to boost mobile services by offering faster, more affordable and higher quality connectivity for mobile video and other next-generation apps.
Qualcomm backs UMB and Sprint's already placed its bet on WiMax. With today's announcement, Vodafone and Verizon (which jointly own Verizon Wireless) are working toward rolling out LTE in 2010 or 2011. According to InfoWorld, "with LTE, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone can adopt a common access platform that allows roaming between the two companies' networks," something that isn't currently possible because Vodafone uses a GSM network and Verizon operates on a CDMA network.
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