We take an in-depth look at Verizon Wireless' upcoming LTE network. How will it progress, and when will we see an iPhone with LTE connectivity?
Verizon Wireless' upcoming LTE network is on the verge of becoming the next buzz in the mobile world. Here's a look at how the network will progress:
The Initial Deployment
Verizon Wireless is currently deploying first-generation LTE technology in the 700 MHz spectrum, or the Upper 700 MHz C spectrum to be exact. This spectrum is 22 MHz wide, allowing Verizon Wireless to implement 10 + 10 MHz capacity. With the current LTE technology being deployed, the carrier says you should expect a minimum of 5 Mbps downlink and 2 Mbps uplink. In other words, the initial move from 3.5G to 4G isn't so much about data speeds as about latency. The carrier promises 1/4 the latency when compared to existing 3G technologies. This provides an advantage when for instance delivering video calling functionality.
The Initial Equipment
Unlike for instance the world's first LTE network, which launched late last year in Scandinavia, Verizon Wireless will only offer equipment that seamlessly works with the carrier's existing network. For Verizon Wireless' customers, that's also how it needs to be. However, it also means that Qualcomm has been, and currently is, working 24/7 to create chips that can pull it off, and the amount of chips available will be limited initially. That said, we assume Qualcomm gives Verizon Wireless the highest priority.
The First LTE Phones
If you're hoping to see an iPhone with LTE connectivity next year, don't hold your breath. It could take four years from now until you see it happening. LTE is more important to all the mobile geeks of us out there than it is to Apple for the time being. It just doesn't fit in with Apple's overall strategy in the mobile space yet. Apple plus the future in LTE still sounds like a rock solid combo, but the future isn't here yet.
Samsung, LG and Motorola are the most likely candidates to offer the first LTE phones for Verizon Wireless in mid-2011. Chip shortages should be expected, so availability will be limited in 2011. It could mean blasting speeds for those who manages to get their hands on them, but it also means Verizon Wireless current network technology will play a vital role for many years to come, at least until 2015. So don't save up for a LTE phone yet.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
_pt00.jpg)
_pt00.jpg)
_pt00.jpg)
_pt00.jpg)
|
Archive