Verizon Wireless announced today that it will unveil its LTE launch plans during a press event at CTIA tomorrow. While this is an official announcement, many of the details surrounding Verizon’s LTE Launch have been leaked by unofficial sources and hinted at by loose-lipped executives speaking at public events.
From this myriad of sources, we expect Verizon Wireless to confirm that it is launching its 4G service in 30 cities nationwide and will cover 100 million people by the end of 2010. These lucky launch cities are reportedly home to major NFL football teams in a precisely planned roll out targeting the biggest and the best cities in the country. Verizon’s plans are ambitious as the carrier hopes to cover all of its 3G network with Long Term Evolution by the end of 2013.
Competition is heating up as wireless carriers move from slower 3G technology to faster LTE technology. MetroPCS was the first wireless carrier to officially launch LTE in the US and the first to offer a compatible handset when it launched its 4G service in Las Vegas last month. MetroPCS will be the first wireless carrier to cover its entire network with LTE, a record fast roll out schedule that is expected to be completed by the middle of 2011.
Hopefully by the end of the day tomorrow, we will have the introductory details about Verizon’s initial 4G plans including its launch cities, rollout dates, devices, and third-party retailers. While do expect to walk away with ample details regarding this 4G launch, we don’t expect Verizon Wireless to reveal any details about its upcoming 4G smartphones or feature phones. In both interviews and public events, Verizon’s executive brass have made it clear that the wireless carrier will launch with 4G USB devices and not full-fledged handsets. We won’t even mention the rumored iPhone, LTE-enabled or not, which rears its ugly head every time Verizon Wireless and announcement is uttered in the same breath.
For those that are interested in learning more about Verizon’s upcoming LTE plans, check back here tomorrow for our live coverage and post-press conference analysis. The presentation will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. PDT or 2:30 p.m. EDT, tomorrow Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010. Be here or be square, your choice!
[Via Press Release]