Verizon to Switch on 4G Network

Verizon Wireless will turn on its 4G wireless network Dec. 5, 2010 in 38 U.S. cities, though the new network will not support smartphones until the first half of 2011. Verizon's 4G network is not the first of Verizon's networks to support data communications, or even mobile broadband, but it will be the first that launches without any voice devices, as other 4G networks earlier have done.

There are a couple reasons for those choices. First, voice standards for 4G are less complete than you might think. Also, the primary advantage 4G offers over 3G is bandwidth for Internet access applications, not voice. Also, there is a "chicken and egg" problem." Device manufacturers have incentive to create hot new devices when there is an opportunity to sell lots of units.

But 4G uptake will be relatively slow at first, so handset development also will lag.

The new Verizon 4G network will support a pair of USB modems from LG and Pantech, making Verizon's 4G network initially a complement or substitute for fixed-line broadband connections or 3G dongles.

The devices will cost $99 with a $50 rebate and two-year data contract. Service costs $50 per month for 5 gigabytes of data, or $80 per month for 10 gigabytes.

Both modems are backwards compatible with Verizon's 3G network, so if users roam outside a 4G area, the connection will default to 3G. The deals immediately make 4G service a better deal than 3G service, which costs $60 a month, with a 5-Gbyte usage cap.

Verizon to switch on 4G network on Sunday, but not for smartphones