Verizon Wireless Tests LTE in Boston, Seattle

Verizon Wireless says that it has completed its first successful Long Term Evolution (LTE) data calls in Boston and Seattle - based on the 3GPP Release 8 standard. The successful data calls involved streaming video, file uploads and downloads, and Web browsing. Significantly, Verizon Wireless has successfully made data calls using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to enable voice transmissions over the LTE 4G network.

In both locations, the data calls were executed on commercial infrastructure platforms, running on 700 MHz spectrum.

Technology partners helping to enable data calls in these initial markets include Alcatel-Lucent (Boston) and Ericsson (Seattle) for base station/radio access network, LG and Samsung for trial devices, and Starent Networks and Nokia Siemens Networks for network equipment. Devices from LG and Samsung will soon be supplemented by devices from ST-Ericsson, Motorola and Qualcomm.

Tony Melone, senior vice president and chief technical officer at Verizon Wireless, said, "Verizon Wireless, with outstanding cooperation from our partner suppliers, is fully committed to harnessing the power of LTE over our 700 MHz spectrum. This combination of state-of-the-art technology and prime spectrum will soon make a ubiquitous, highly mobile, super-fast broadband experience a reality for customers. This significant milestone in our LTE 4G network testing, exemplified by the first data calls in Boston and Seattle, further validates our early support and decision to select LTE as the standard for our next-generation wireless broadband network."

Boston and Seattle each now have 10 LTE 4G cell sites up and running. These LTE markets were selected by network planners due to their geographic configuration of suburban and urban areas as well as the areas' high-technology population. The trials will help Verizon Wireless and its LTE network partners understand issues that include how to best prepare cell sites and how to add the new technology to the network.

Verizon Wireless aims to commercially launch its LTE network in up to 30 markets in 2010, covering 100 million people. Full nationwide coverage is expected in 2013.

Posted to the site on 16th August 2009