Verizon has been making great efforts, to cover our states with as much 4G as they can, in a fairly short period of time. They remain well on track to meet their goal of adding 4G LTE to 175 markets by the end of the year. Starting July 21st, they are again adding another new set of locations to their 4G/LTE map.

These cities include:

• Wilkes-Barre, PA
• Charleston, WV
• Wichita, KS
• Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
• Louisville, KY as well as Los Angeles and San Diego, CA are set to receive further expansion.

Verizon customers in the areas mentioned above can get excited about the 12Mbps real-word downlink speeds and up to 5Mbps uplink speeds. If you are interested in an LTE device, Verizon currently has three in its roster: the Samsung Droid Charge, the HTC Thunderbolt, and the LG Revolution. We will continue to keep you updated on Verizon’s plans to bring 4G LTE to the rest of America.

How will Verizon’s LTE offering stack up to rival T-Mobile’s improved HSPA+ network?
Is Verizon’s 4G in your neighborhood yet?
Will you stay with Verizon for it’s LTE services, or will their new tiered pricing, chase you somewhere else?
Let me know in the comments below.

source: Verizon

Verizon is in trouble! The FCC has been called into investigate Verizon blocking access to certain tethering applications. This would violate the open access provision that was put on the Verizon’s C-Block 700 MHz spectrum that they won in the auction back in 2008.

Free Press filed the complaint with the FCC stating that Verizon had blocked access to tethering applications in the Android marketplace.

This being the case Verizon is violating the open access provision.

The open access provision states that that customers have the right to use devices and applications of their choice. By Verizon blocking the Android tethering ability, they are violating that right. By blocking this application, it restricts innovation and opens the door for other companies to follow suit.

Verizon’s spoke person Jeffery Nelson claims that Verizon has not blocked the application and that Google in fact is responsible for managing the Android Market. Developers are required to meet with strict guidelines, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t applications out there that don’t follow compliance. Therefore Google is basically responsible for deciding what apps make it to the market and what apps don’t. Nelson claims that Verizon hasn’t violated any of the FCC regulations but rather has helped bring devices and third party apps to the LTE network through their open development initiative and their plans are to continue.

Free Press which filed the complaint has yet to make any remarks on Verizon’s response, but a representative from Google did release, back in May, that on the Verizon and AT&T networks that customers could not download specific tethering applications from the Android Market. They say they’re not blocking customers from the app, but rather it is unavailable for download on some carriers. They also added that if an application is a direct violation of the terms and conditions of a contract, it can be requested that Google make the application unavailable. This is usually only the case if the app is likely to violate the terms of data usage or something similar.

Verizon says LTE smartphone users can use their free uncapped smartphone tethering app (with a $30 data service package). This is supposed to allow the customers LTE tethering without additional charges.

Source: Fierce Wireless

Google has been sued successfully and lost for use of Linux on it’s server platform.  Although this may not be a huge loss to Google financially, this issue could extend to the Android platform. Bedrock Computer Technology has also sued AOL, Yahoo and Amazon to name a few.

Will companies like Bedrock Computer Technologies impede the growth of Linux?

What do you Geek-A-Holics think?
Get your Geek Freak on and let us know.

Source: Intomobile & BBC

UPDATE:

The Samsung Droid Charge, yes that’s the official name of the “un-named Samsung 4G smartphone” everyone was curious about since first seeing it at CES. This device is expected to carry a minimum advertised price of $299.99.

The HTC Droid Incredible 2 (ADR6350) is a going to be a world edition with a front facing camera . This device is expected to be priced at $199.99.

The LG Revolution (VS910) is definitely a 4G LTE smartphone and is said to be priced at $249.99.

Finally, the Motorola DROID X 2 (MB870) will be priced at $199.99 and yes it is taking the place of the DROID X on Verizon’s lineup currently.

END OF UPDATE:

Looking at the image above you can tell that Verizon Wireless has several 4G devices being released starting today. Their 4G Novatel USB 551L modem and the Samsung 4G SCH-LC11 Mobile Hotspot are both now available for only $99.99 online with a new two year contract. But wait, there are many more devices other than internet modems coming your way.

If you aren’t interested in the Thunderbolt which is the only 4G LTE smartphone Verizon currently offers, just be patient. They will have more rolling out soon as you can see by the dates in the image. Keep in mind though, the dates are subject to change and this is only tipped information from the source. Nothing is official unless you see it come from Verizon Wireless themselves. For now we can enjoy what’s expected though right?

Basically what the leak says is this: Verizon Wireless will release an Android powered, 4G Casio Commando and the 4G Samsung Droid Charge on April 7th, 2011. The following week they are rumored to launch the Sony Xperia PLAY and the Windows Phone 7 HTC Trophy. Continuing on to April 28th, the rumors suggest the HTC DROID Incredible 2 may also be available. In May they say we can expect several more 4G phones, including the LG Revolution, Motorola BIONIC, Motorola DROID X2, and Samsung Galaxy 2 (presumably the Galaxy S 2).

Although these aren’t Verizon documents in the image we do see some of the dates are true, hence the mobile hotspot and USB device that are available today as the image suggests. With that being said, what do you think about the upcoming devices? We wrote about a few of them here and would love to have your feedback once again now that the time is closer. Let us know your thoughts.

Source: Phandroid & PhoneArena

Did you go and purchase an Verizon Wireless iPhone this morning or receive one in the mail and try to activate it today? If so, you may be one of the ones experiencing problems with no service. We have just had a few tips suggesting there is no estimated time of when the activations will be successful but Verizon Wireless is working hard to get the issue solved in a hastily manner.

The issue may not be in all areas but we do know the Midwest area is the main one experiencing problems. Are you aware of any other issues in other areas? Is anyone experiencing issues with email or data? We are interested in what’s going on and if there are more markets with the same problems?

This isn’t the first time Verizon’s network has had issues since the iPhone release. What do you think the issue could be? We aren’t sure we will get the answers but it’s good time for speculations. Let us know your thoughts!

Apple is facing major supply issues with the new iPad 2, with some customers having to wait 4 to 5 weeks for delivery. Apple has had shortage issues in the past with the second generation iPhone 3G for more than a month and up to 3 weeks on the Iphone 4 according to reports from NPD Group.

According to Stephen Baker, an analyst with retail research firm NPD Group, compared the shortage to the iPhone 3G situation. Most customers would rather hold out for the second generation of the product after the flaws have been resolved on the first generation as was the case with the first iPhone.

According to Brian Marshall of Gleacher & Co., the shortage is due to the “tremendous demand” for the Ipad 2. Rhoda Alexander, an analyst at IHS iSuppli, agreed with Marshall and added the disaster in Japan is not effecting delivery of the iPad 2. Alexander also anticipated these issues when they heard only 100 iPads would be available in each store.

Marshall also finds it interesting that Apple has not released sales figures on the iPad 2 since launch. Typically Apple likes to show those numbers off, such as it did after launch last year when 300,000 were sold on the first day of sales.

According to Reuters, the launch of the iPad 2 will be postponed in Japan while the country focuses on recovering from the recent disaster.

Did Apple announce the iPad 2 too early because of the XOOM announcement? Is this why they are having supply issues?

Tell us what you think about this situation

read more at Computerworld

The rumors can finally end because Verizon Wireless has made the release date and price of the HTC ThunderBolt handset official. The release date is March 17th and the device will have a $249.99 price tag. The LTE data will be the same rate as the current 3G devices, $29.99 per month for unlimited use. Verizon will also provide mobile hotspot capabilities to all ThunderBolt owners for free until May 15th. This is something few carriers are offering at the current time.

Are you getting one? Have you been waiting to use your upgrade and last New Every Two credit? If so, now is the time to get this bad boy! Verizon Wireless has even put up a Thunderbolt Tracker found here. You simply enter your email and as soon as it’s released they will send you information. Who knows what else? Go for it!

Take a look at the press release below:

THE THUNDERBOLT BY HTC, THE FIRST 4G LTE SMARTPHONE FOR VERIZON WIRELESS ARRIVES MARCH 17

ThunderBolt by HTC Available Beginning March 17

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless and HTC today announced that the ThunderBolt by HTC, exclusively from Verizon Wireless, is available on March 17 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $249.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

Powered by Android 2.2, the ThunderBolt by HTC is the first smartphone to take advantage of Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network. The ThunderBolt by HTC features the latest version of the HTC Sense experience, which offers enhancements including new personalization options, a consolidated e-mail inbox, and unique camera effects and filters. The ThunderBolt by HTC is equipped with support for Google Mobile Services, including Gmail, YouTube and Android Market with thousands of free apps. Additionally, the ThunderBolt by HTC will feature 4G LTE optimized apps such as EA’s Rock Band, Gameloft’s Let’s Golf, Tunewiki and Bitbop.

Additional features:

• 4G LTE – customers can expect download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G Mobile Broadband coverage area
• 4.3” WVGA display
• 8- megapixel rear facing camera and HD (720p) video recording
• 1.3- megapixel front facing camera with video chatting capabilities
• Newest generation of the 1GHz Snapdragon processor
• Mobile Hotspot capability – share 4G connection with up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices
• 8 GB of onboard memory and a pre-installed 32 GB microSD card (Actual formatted capacity will be less)
• Built-in kickstand for easy media viewing

With the ThunderBolt by HTC, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan and a 4G LTE data package. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access and an unlimited 4G LTE data plan is $29.99 monthly access.

Mobile Hotspot allows users to connect up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices to the nation’s fastest wireless network via an application available on the ThunderBolt by HTC. Mobile Hotspot will be included through May 15 for no additional charge. After May 15, customers may choose to activate Mobile Hotspot for $20 for 2 GB of data per month. Customers can track their data usage by downloading the My Verizon app available in Android Market or by logging on to their My Verizon accounts online at www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon.

For additional information on Verizon Wireless 4G LTE visit www.verizonwireless.com/4glte. For more information about the ThunderBolt by HTC please visit www.verizonwireless.com/thunderbolt. For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

Source: BGR via Verizon Wireless

UPDATE:

It appears there’s been a misunderstanding over the current situation of who really is #1! After speaking with PR Reps from Verizon Wireless, there is a difference between the number of actual subscribers, and machine to machine users on the carrier’s respective networks. It appears, according to Verizon’s statistics, that they are indeed on top!

Here’s quick listing of stats provided by Verizon and noted in a recent article by ComputerWorld

— Customers excluding connections:  94M for Verizon vs. 86M for AT&T

— Customers including connections: 102.2M for Verizon vs. 95.5M AT&T

We have yet to hear from AT&T regarding this.

To read more about it, click here for the ComputerWorld Article!

For months now users of AT&T have asked why aren’t there more high end Android devices available? Most of us imagine it’s because of the iPhone popularity, which is probably going to change soon. With AT&T no longer having the iPhone all to themselves, they are finally putting more focus on Android devices.

At CES, AT&T announced several top-of-the-line Android devices. Shortly following CES, during a conference call, CEO Randall Stephenson stated that “AT&T is going to be a heavy participant in the Android market this year.” He also stated that AT&T would have more focus on not only Android phones but tablets as well.

Do you currently have AT&T? Were you one of the customers waiting for a higher end device? If so, let us know what you think in the comments box below.

Source: BGR

Android Central has gotten their hands on proof that the HTC Thunderbolt will support simultaneous Voice and data, meaning you can browse the web while in a call. Yes, you will be able that is! Remember that’s only where 4G is available. This was one of the main questions AT&T customers wanted to know and from what I hear, if Verizon got it, they’d consider switching. Well, it’s happening so what’s going to happen now?

What nobody knows yet is when this device will be available? When the date is realeased we will be back to let you all know. For now, leave us your comments in the box below and let us know how you feel about this.

Source: AndroidCentral

We know several Verizon customers are patiently waiting, and some not so patiently for LTE to be turned on in their area. It’s coming, just hang on to your seats. It has just been confirmed that by the end of 2011, we should see at least 140 markets be blanketed with LTE coverage, and by 2013, Verizon is aiming to have at least 2/3 of the country covered.

I’m sure several Sprint or AT&T customers will have something to say about it but hey, at least Big Red is finally making the move right? What do you think about their launch? Let us know your thoughts!

Cities to get LTE first:

• Mobile, Alabama
• Montgomery, Alabama
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Gainesville, Florida
• Lakeland-Winter Haven, Florida
• Pensacola, Florida
• Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida
• Tallahassee, Florida
• Augusta, Georgia
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Kahului-Wailuku, Hawaii
• Lahaina, Hawaii
• Boise-Nampa, Idaho
• Carbondale-Marion, Illinois
• Wichita, Kansas
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Hammond, Louisiana
• Detroit, Michigan
• Flint, Michigan
• Fayetteville-Lumberton, North Carolina
• Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point, North Carolina
• Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
• Wilmington, North Carolina
• Dayton-Springfield, Ohio
• Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Erie, Pennsylvania
• State College, Pennsylvania
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Columbia, South Carolina
• Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina
• Hilton Head, South Carolina
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Clarksville, Tennessee
• Cleveland, Tennessee
• Kingsport, Tennessee; Johnson City, Tennessee; Bristol, Virginia/Tennessee
• Knoxville, Tennessee
• Memphis, Tennessee
• Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas
• Bryan-College Station, Texas
• Provo-Orem, Utah
• Salt Lake City-Ogden, Utah
• Centralia, Washington
• Olympia, Washington
• Charleston, West Virginia
• Madison, Wisconsin
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Are you on the list? I sure hope so!

Source: BGR

Thanks to a tip, we have the latest details on the special upgrade offer from Verizon Wireless for customers who purchased and activated new smartphones, feature phones or certified pre-owned phones between 11/26/2010 and 01/10/2011.

The deal is this, current Verizon customers who purchased and activated new smartphones, feature phones or certified pre-owned phones between 11/26/2010 and 01/10/2011 may be eligible to receive up to a $200 Visa debit card when they purchase an iPhone 4 at full retail price by 02/28/2011 and return their existing phone.

Customers who are within the 30-day Return & Exchange Policy period can return their device (subject to the restock fee) and revert to CPE until iPhone 4 becomes available. Customers outside the Return & Exchange Policy period, or who do not have CPE to revert to, may want to consider this special promotion.

Eligible customers will receive one of the following:

If the customer purchased and activated a Smartphone, they will receive a Visa debit card worth $200.

If the customer purchased and activated a feature phone or Certified Pre-Owned device, they will receive a Visa debit card worth $75.

Requirements:

Requirements:

• Offer valid only for existing, postpaid Verizon Wireless customers on accounts with five lines or less.
• Customers must have purchased and activated a new Verizon Wireless smartphone or feature phone or a Verizon Wireless Certified Pre-Owned phone between 11/26/2010 and 01/10/2011.
• Original device (new or Certified Pre-Owned feature phone or Smartphone) may have been purchased from any channel.
• BOGOs (buy one / get one) are eligible.
• Customers who submitted or received a rebate on their original purchase are eligible.
• iPhone 4 must be purchased at full retail price from Verizon Wireless direct channels only.
• To qualify for the debit card, iPhone 4 must be activated with the same mobile telephone number as the phone to be exchanged.
• If customers return or exchange their Verizon Wireless iPhone 4, they will no longer be eligible for the debit card.

Does this sound like a great deal to you? Sure does to me! If you are one of Verizon’s customers, let us hear your thoughts on this.

The HTC Thunderbolt has been a hot topic and one of the most anticipated devices for Verizon Wireless and their customers recently. Well, it just got hotter! Finally, the International CES tradeshow has given us the facts, photos and videos we’ve all been waiting for. This is one sexy beast I must say and something that Verizon has been needing since Sprint released the EVO! Would you agree or disagree?

You all may already know the Thunderbolt is HTC’s first LTE device described as “blazingly fast.” Just to give an example we have taken what CNET said and we quote:

“We were impressed at just how fast it pulled up CNET’s full site and played video. On other devices we’ve tested, it usually takes around 20 to 30 seconds to load CNET’s page, but it was up and running within a few seconds on the Thunderbolt. Videos also buffered and played within a couple of seconds with no interruption.”

Here are a few specifications:

• 4.3-inch Super LCD display
• WVGA (800×480) pixels
• 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8655 processor
• front-facing video camera
• HD video capture
• kick stand on back of device
• 8-megapixel camera
• HTC Sense with Android 2.2
• Skype video chat
• 8GB of on-board storage
• 768 RAM memory card
• preinstalled with 32 GB microSD
• 1,400mAh lithium ion battery

Take a look at the video below of the HTC Thunderbolt from CNET to hear all about the specs on this phone! You’ll enjoy it as much as I did I’m sure.

This is all we have for you now! We are just waiting on the official release date. For now they are saying mid-year so we hope that gets here quick!! Let us know what you think. Do you like this phone? Does the processor bother you? We want to know!

Source: CNET and PCW

UPDATE:

Following the release of our latest article describing upcoming discounts Verizon Wireless may have been offering, we now have details on what exactly is going on thanks to our tipster.

Available: November 19 – January 7, 2011

Customers who add or upgrade to a smartphone on a secondary line with a 2-year contract can now talk for FREE!  That’s right, customers will receive a credit for the $9.99 monthly charge every month, so they can share voice minutes with the primary line for free. Customers are required to have the $29.99/mo data package for their smartphone. Verizon will start this pricing November 19, 2010 and it will continue until January 7th, 2010.

Talk Free promotion benefits:

• Savings: almost $240 per line!
• Share voice minutes with primary line for FREE
• Browse the Internet as much as customers want
• Access to thousands of apps like Pandora or NFL Mobile
• Unlimited Nights and Weekends anytime minutes
• Unlimited Mobile to Mobile calling to other Verizon customers

Huge Savings for Customers!

The Smartphone Talk Free promotion helps customers save $9.99 every month for up to 24 months. That’s a ton of savings for the holidays!

Nationwide Family SharePlans that are eligible for a $9.99/mo. credit with this promotion include:

·          Nationwide Talk

·          Nationwide Talk & Text

·          Nationwide Plus Canada

·          Nationwide Plus Mexico

·          Nationwide Plus Mexico & Text

·          South Area Unlimited An Mobile Plans

·          Select qualifying business plans

END OF UPDATE:

Were you considering switching to Verizon but noticed the family plans were a little high if you want all smartphones? If so, you may soon be eligible for discounts if you sign up this Friday through January 7th. According to the Wall Street Journal, Verizon Wireless may be offering discounts on monthly plans to smartphone users who subscribe to a family plan during the dates mentioned. The new promotion will require customers to have smartphones with $29.99 per month unlimited data plans. While WSJ did not specify any further discount details, they did report that discounts would be up to $30 off monthly bills on family plans ranging from $69.99 to $149.99 per month. Verizon Wireless hasn’t made the official announcement regarding the promotion just yet but we are watching and listening closely for more information.

Source: BGR & WSJ

UPDATE:
We have just put our hands on the pricing for the Kin devices and a little more information was found at BGR. What we now know is that the relaunched devices will be named the Kin ONEm and Kin TWOm. Can you guess why? They will also be on sale for $19.99 and $49.99 as long as you sign a two-year contract. Go check out www.VerizonWireless.com for details! Yes, they are already available.

As we mentioned when we got the official confirmation that the Kin was coming back and the news spread like wildfires all over the web, you WILL NOT have to buy the data plan but you do have the option. Data plans available include $15 for 150MB per month and $30 for 5GB per month. BGR reports that the $9.99 data plan may also be available for these devices but nobody seems to be positive about that.

END OF UPDATE:
Hey Geeks! Here’s a special one! A friend from Verizon leaked us a PDF of the Q4 Road Map of Verizon products. There’s a lot of interesting things listed!

For One, DROID2 World is releasing with the Droid Pro for the Holiday Season. The Pre2 will be dropping and GET THIS, The KIN and KIN2 are making a comeback! They’re listed as the KIN 1m and KIN 2m, perhaps to get rid of Verizon’s stock. Most importantly, they will be feature phones, no more $30 a month!

Here is the PDF, and stay tuned for the latest news and more! Also, check our Windows Phone 7 Forums and learn more about the device!

UPDATE:
A couple of weeks ago we shared how Verizon Wireless have made a huge mistake and would be paying for it. Now we have more details. They definitely are paying for their mistakes! The FCC is collecting $25 Million from them in fees for this huge error. On top of that fine, at least $52.8 Million is/will be refunded in total so far to customers who inadvertently racked up data charges on their phones over the last three years.

The Federal Communications Commission said the settlement is the largest in its history. They will be checking to see that Verizon does pay out the agreed-to refunds. Verizon Wireless has stated that they will take whatever steps needed to prevent this from happening in the future.

Source: Yahoo
END OF UPDATE:

We know you’ve probably heard it on the news, online or even in your local newspaper. PPCGeeks wants to be able to hear their users concerns so we are sharing this story here on our site as well.

According to FOXNews.com, Verizon Wireless could pay out up to $90 million in refunds to the 15 million cell phone customers who were improperly charged for inadvertent Web access or data usage over the past several years. The investigation started when the FCC asked Verizon, two years ago,  about data charges that appeared on the bills of customers who didn’t have data plans but who accidentally initiated data or Web access by pressing a button on their phones.  Although it’s great to see Verizon owning up to their mistake and trying to correct the problem, questions remain as to why it took Verizon two years to reimburse its customers and why greater disclosure and other corrective actions did not come much, much sooner.” We all make mistakes, but do we make mistakes for this long?

Let us know how you feel about this. Were you one of the customers impacted by this data charge and never even knew it? How does this make you feel about Verizon as a company? We want to hear your stories.

Source: FOXNews.com

Update:Lowell McAdam, president and COO of Verizon Wireless confirmed at CTIA yesterday that Verizon is not only going to soon roll out the new LTE platform but also that they are releasing it in 38 markets instead of 30 as previously mentioned.  Reporters state that the 38 markets for the initial round of 4G LTE services should first include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Miami, Atlanta, Las Vegas and large sections of the Northeast areas. McAdam also confirmed that during CES in January of 2011 Verizon will show half-a-dozen smartphones and tablets that will be available in the first half of the year.

Source: Engadgetmobile & Broadcastingcable

Verizon Wireless customers have been waiting to hear when the official launch of their 4G, LTE based network is going to happen. Some of us have been waiting so long we are starting to get anxious.  Finally, the time is near and according to Slashgear, Verizon is going to discuss in more detail their current plans to roll out 4G at the CTIA convention tomorrow.

Rumor has it that Verizon’s Revolutionary LTE network, competing with Sprint’s already released WiMAX network, will be a all-in-one release, involving more than thirty markets, as opposed to Sprint’s market-at-a-time model. This release would then provide LTE coverage for 100 million people or more in those areas. You may question why or how is this 30+ market release going to be possible? Verizon will hopefully have your answers tomorrow and you will have a better understanding of how they plan to make it happen.

Details found at slashgear:

Press Release

WHO:
Verizon Wireless, the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network leader and builder of the world’s first large-scale 4G network

WHAT:
Verizon Wireless will hold a news conference during CTIA Enterprise & Applications 2010. Lowell McAdam, president and chief operating officer of Verizon, will detail the company’s major 4G LTE network launch.

WHERE:
CTIA Press Conference Room: Room 2A – Level 2
Moscone Center West
800 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Via webcast (view/listen-only):
http://www.verizonwebcasts.com/vzw/10825
U.S. toll free: 800-857-1380 / International: +1 773-799-3385
Passcode: 3243400

On Twitter: Follow the news conference and join in live tweeting from the conference by following @VerizonWireless #VZW4G at http://twitter.com/VerizonWireless

WHEN:
11:30 a.m. PDT / 2:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010

BACKGROUND:
Verizon Wireless expects to commercially launch its LTE 4G network in up to 30 markets in 2010, covering 100 million people. To view a video about Verizon Wireless’ 4G network, visit http://bit.ly/vzw4g. For more information about 4G from Verizon Wireless, visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte.

Source: Slashgear

Source: VZW /Twitter

Hello Folks!
LISTEN LIVE: https://www.ppcgeeks.com/ppcgp

As we all know, Sprint’s been taking the world by Storm with news of their EVO release over the past two weeks,

Today, It looks like Verizon is taking a chance to fire back, holding a conference on their plans and specifications of the 4G LTE (Long-Term-Evolution) band, expected to replace 3G starting the end of this year and complete by 2012.

This WebCast so far is open to the Media, but PPCGeeks will be there and we will update this page as news comes in!

10:39 AM Fancy Background Music and Notification of “Audio Only” Webcast

Beginning Convo  11:12 AM

Expansion of Footprint, should be equal to 3G coverage by 2012 – 2013

11:15 AM Specs on LTE Now!

11:17 AM Specs are:

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Phone calls cost money. As consumers, we have the option to pay as you go, pay for a set amount of minutes per month, or choose  an unlimited amount of minutes per month. But the amount of calls that the cell company can process is a static amount and is expensive and costs the same no matter which phone plan a user opts for. More phones calls for a set amount of space raises the cost of handling phone calls.

The amount of calls that they can process per chunk of their finite spectrum allocated to them by the FCC is important. The more calls they can handle with less resources frees up space for more bandwidth-intensive applications like internet access. Higher speeds and more bandwidth are things that we all can enjoy.

For U.S. Carriers that use GSM as their basis of cellular communication (AT&T and T-Mobile), the move to 4G via LTE is especially important. Besides the speed gains (as high as 100 Mbps for download) and advertising advantage versus 3G competitors, LTE will allow its users (Verizon Wireless (who is making the switch from CDMA-based to GSM-based technologies for 4G), AT&T, and T-Mobile in the U.S.) to package more mobile phone calls per 1 Mhz of space then ever was possible before.

In a perfect and simplified world, basic GSM (2.5G) technology can move between 4 and 8 calls per 1 Mhz. Not bad in our perfect simplified world. Moving up to UMTS (3G) nets 12 calls per Mhz while HSPA (3.5G) can get 24 calls per Mhz. That is all good and dandy, but what about the 4G bringer, LTE? Anywhere from 50 to 80 calls per Mhz.

As you can see, LTE is going to be a major upgrade for both carriers and consumers as more calls per Mhz means lower costs for carriers which will (hopefully) translate to lower bills and higher speeds for consumers. For those who would like to get down and dirty with the details, please go to the source link for a more in-depth explanation into how these numbers were figured out.

Source- MobileSociety.com