Verizon made it clear that it plans to equip all of its future smartphones with LTE (including the next generation iPhone ?) as it tries to move more customers off its 3G CDMA network. The largest phone carrier in the United States is putting new LTE requirements in place for all smartphones, hotspot devices, tablets and netbooks, including devices from Research In Motion and those running Microsoft’s Windows Phone, according to CNET.
Big Red also confirmed some other plans which include support for Windows Phone devices and global GSM/WCDMA roaming capabilities on new 4G handsets. Support for global roaming has been in Verizon’s sights for awhile, but has yet to be implemented, with the company’s new plan for this year that will no longer be the case.
“The LTE phones work globally in over 40 countries that currently use CDMA technology,” Verizon spokeswoman Brenda Raney told Phonescoop. “For the new LTE phones to provide global roaming voice and data in non-CDMA countries, we are working on a few network enhancements so we can provide customers with the best voice and data roaming experience. We anticipate this capability to be available this year, likely the first half of the year.”
It’s good to see Verizon locked-in when it comes to improving user experience for all of its customers. This proves that the company plans to extend its lead in LTE services.
[via FierceWireless]