March 8, 2010

LTE Speeds Faster Than Expected in Verizon Trials - PCWorld Business Center

LTE Speeds Faster Than Expected in Verizon Trials - PCWorld Business Center

While WiMax 4G wireless from Sprint/Clearwire is now avaible in in limited markets, it seems Verizon wil have the first-mover advantage on a much larger scale. They intend to serve 30 or so markets this year. That means Vermont may see it in 2011 or 2012.

Pricing and tethering policies will determine whether LTE 4G service can be a substitute for wireline broadband. However, these potential upload and download speeds, which rival today's broadband connections, may make the service a viable substitute for DSL or even cable broadband.

Because the momentum is with mobile services and devices these days, I'd be concerned if I were a company offering only wireline broadband. These speeds and fair pricing signal a rapid uptake in 4G wireless services as they become widely available.

The limiting factor may well be a scarcity of available frequency spectrum. When that crunch arrives, the broadcast TV folks will be asked by the FCC to give up some of the spectrum they control, I'll bet.

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