Verizon to Offer Both Wi-Fi and 1xEV-DO to Customers

The USA based, Verizon Wireless says that it plans to market CDMA 1xEV-DO technology, offering wireless data speeds up to 2.4 Megabits per second (Mbps) following successful technology trials. Verizon Wireless will also offer Wi-Fi (802.11b) service, providing connections between the Verizon Wireless wide area network (WAN) and hundreds of 'hot spots' across the country.

Beginning in the third quarter 2003, Verizon Wireless' data customers in Washington and San Diego will be the first to take advantage of the new 1xEV-DO service and applications. With virtual private network (VPN) connections, data customers in both cities will be able to access the 1xEV-DO high-speed data network as an extension of their corporate local area network (LAN) or intranet, allowing them to work from any location as if they were in the office.

Also in the third quarter, Verizon Wireless, plans to offer complementary access between its own branded 802.11 service and its WAN. Recognizing the proliferation of Wi-Fi on corporate campuses and in travel related venues such as hotels and airports, Verizon Wireless is working with Wayport, Inc. to offer Wi-Fi service in popular indoor locations. Verizon Wireless will provide 24/7 network monitoring for the new service, plus authentication and billing. The new service will be available through Verizon Wireless' existing distribution channels including B2B sales teams.

In 2002 Verizon Wireless conducted technology trials of 1xEV-DO in Washington with Lucent Technologies and in San Diego with Nortel Networks. Verizon Wireless will expand the technology in these two markets, powered by Lucent Technologies and Nortel Networks equipment, beyond the initial trial areas.

"We've had tremendous success with our 1XRTT Express Network launch and have closely monitored market demand for even higher speed wireless data services while evaluating advantages of technology and network improvements," said Dick Lynch, executive vice president and chief technical officer for Verizon Wireless. "The two market launches of 1xEV-DO and our plans to offer Wi-Fi service reaffirms our commitment to delivering the best technology, coverage and capabilities to our business customers."

In related news, Ericsson has installed its technology to integrate MMS, including custom extensions and services, into Verizon Wireless' existing nationwide CDMA2000 network.

"Verizon Wireless, the world's largest CDMA operator, has entrusted Ericsson with its nationwide multimedia messaging service, and I think that speaks volumes," said Angel Ruiz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ericsson Inc. "Furthermore, Ericsson's systems integration services mean that Verizon Wireless will be able to bring this powerful, open-standard based service to market in 2003."

Posted to the site on 18th March 2003