Verizon Wireless decides on LTE for 4G Network

[Chuong Nguyen]

Engadget Mobile (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/21/verizon-chooses-lte-for-4g-network-hell-freezes-over/) is reporting that Verizon Wireless is choosing LTE as the next generation standard. Verizon Wireless is the joint venture wireless communication company formed by Verizon and Vodafone. What is surprising about this news is that LTE is the next evolution for UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA networks, of which GSM carriers like Vodafone use. However, currently, Verizon Wireless is based on CDMA and uses EVDO. According to Engadget Mobile, "LTE will run on an entirely IP based network and has data speeds up to 100Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload. Both Verizon Wireless and Vodafone will use LTE as its next generation network platform.

Sprint, Verizon Wireless' major CDMA competitor is standardizing on WiMAX in the USA.

[Brandon Miniman]

Wait - so it LTE is GSM based, and Verizon's network uses CDMA, how will that work?

[Chuong Nguyen]

Brandon,

I can't explain it but there is a Wikipedia link now posted in the article detailing the different technologies. This is similar to when GSM carriers (Cingular/AT&T) went from GSM and EDGE, which is 2.5G, to 3G like UMTS/HSDPA. Because the 3G adopted was based on a form of CDMA technology, known as W-CDMA, they needed to make changes and add equipment to provide the infrastructure. In addition, users would need to purchase and use 3G compatible headsets to obtain 3G speeds in 3G coverage areas on the network. I assume the same would be true when Verizon Wireless adopts 4G LTE technologies, also known as LTE UMTS, which according to Wikipedia is based on FDMA standards.