Verizon Wireless Selects LTE For Its 4G Network
Back in September, Verizon and Vodafone announced they would move to for their next-gen networks. (Britain's Vodafone owns 45 percent of Verizon Wireless.) Verizon currently uses CDMA technology for voice and mostly EV-DO for data (both Rev. 0 and Rev. A). LTE is a 4G competitor to WiMAX and CDMA2000.
By electing to go with LTE, the two companies aim to build a global, common access platform that is compatible with the existing technologies of both companies, Reuteers reported. As a result, customers of Verizon Wireless and Vodafone Group will be able to roam more easily on the networks of both. Currently, the two use incompatible network technologies.
LTE is seen as an upgrade of GSM, the most widely used mobile technology. As a result, it may be a less expensive option than the follow-up to Qualcomm's CDMA standard Verizon currently employs.
Still, don't expect this to happen overnight -- or, really, anytime soon. According to Verizon Wireless, it could be 2010 or later before its LTE technology is ready for commercial services, Reuters reported. Meanwhile, Vodafone has reportedly said it could be 2015 before Vodafone and Verizon Wireless networks are fully compatible.