Tuesday, December 14, 2010

When are smartphones going to work on the Verizon 4G network?

Author: Thuc Huynh, MD

Verizon officially launched it’s 4G LTE network last week in 38 major metropolitan cities. The network boasts speeds of up to 5 - 12 mbps which is 2 - 6 times faster than 3G. That is amazing.

However, there aren’t any Verizon phones manufactured to work on the 4G network just yet. Currently, you can only use the 4G network if you have a Verizon 4G USB modem. Verizon hasn’t disclosed when they will sell 4G phones but several sources are favoring a January/February 2011 timeframe.

Data plans start at $50 dollars per month for 5 GB of data allowance and $80 dollars per month for 10 GB. For every gigabyte of data that you use over the limit, a 10 dollar fee will be charged. Verizon offers 2 USB modems that will work on the 4G network and both cost $99.99 with a 2 year contract.

The 4G network sounds promising with it’s impressive download speeds considering 3G feels fast as it is. I’m currently an AT&T customer but when the Verizon iPhone 4G hits the market, I’ll be first in line to switch over and really flex their system.

For a full list of the 38 cities graced with 4G, click here.

This article was written by Thuc Huynh, MD.

Dr. Thuc Huynh is CEO of ScrubdIN, a startup company that aims to help health professionals choose their next medical app. Her main interest lies around how medicine can play a role with web 2.0 and social media. Dr. Huynh is currently Chief Resident at her Family Medicine Residency in Rapid City, SD and received her B.S. and M.D. at the Medical University of the Americas.

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous12:07 AM

    Have you check your network speed with your 3G phone? My iPhone has consistently been giving me speeds of 1.4 to 1.8 Mbps (using Speedtest). I compared my speed with a Verizon Droid and a Verizon Incredible and they only got up to 340 to 700 Kbps.

    Some have called ATT's 3G network 3.5G - it is certainly faster than Verizon (plus you can do data and voice at the same time).

    PS: ATT is also deploying '4G' in 2011.

    ReplyDelete