Verizon Wireless continued to increased the number of laptops that can access its CDMA2000 1x EV-DO network with two new agreements with computer makers.
Verizon Wireless reported a deal with notebook computer manufacturer Lenovo Group Ltd.-which purchased IBM Corp.’s Personal Computing Division-to integrate CDMA2000 1x EV-DO modems compatible with Verizon Wireless’ high-speed data network into select computers beginning next month.
Lenovo said the embedded modems would be available in its new ThinkPad z60m laptops beginning Oct. 11.
Verizon Wireless also announced an agreement with Hewlett-Packard Co. to jointly market HP business notebooks and other mobile devices designed for the carrier’s EV-DO network. HP said the agreement calls for collaboration on product testing, product development and joint marketing.
HP said its initial EV-DO efforts will rely on a separate PC card beginning this fall, with plans to embed a Qualcomm Inc. module starting early next year.
Verizon Wireless Monday reported a similar deal with Dell Inc. to sell EV-DO PC cards directly to Dell computer customers. Dell also said it plans to integrate EV-DO modems into laptops beginning next year. Customers buying the computers will need to set up service through Verizon Wireless to access the EV-DO network.
Verizon Wireless charges $60 per month for unlimited access to its data network for current voice customers or $80 per month for nonvoice customers. Verizon Wireless’ EV-DO network currently is available in more than 60 markets across the country and provides average network speeds of between 400 kilobits per second and 700 kbps.
Verizon Wireless’ larger rival Cingular Wireless L.L.C. reported a deal earlier this year with Sony Electronics Corp. to integrate EDGE modems into select Sony laptop computers.
