Verizon today has confirmed the launch of its LTE-based 4G network. The service will go live in all of the planned 38 initial cities, including 60 airports, on December 5. Average speeds should be about 10 times faster than Verizon’s 3G, at between 5Mbps and 12Mbps; the performance is enough that 20 typical photos could download in one minute or a single song in four seconds, Verizon said.
LTE’s nature also means faster upload speeds, at between 2Mbps and 5Mbps, as well as lower latency that should better suit two-way video chat, multiplayer games, VoIP and other Internet access that is especially time-sensitive.
Full coverage should be in place by 2013, the carrier said.
Two USB modems will accompany the launch. The LG VL600 is a conventional adapter with a cap to cover the port. Owners of the MacBook Air and other very thin notebooks are being steered to the Pantech UML290, a dual-swivel modem that can rotate to fit tight spaces or vertical USB ports. Both will cost $100 after a $50 rebate and a two-year contract.
