Verizon Wireless said it has completed the first data call using the LTE Release 8 standard at its testing facilities in Boston and Seattle. The carrier, which is planning to launch LTE trial networks in the two markets before the end of the year, said the calls involved streaming video, file uploads and downloads and Web browsing. Verizon Wireless also said it has made voice calls on the network using Voice over Internet Protocol technology.
Alcatel-Lucent provided technology support for the trials in the Boston market, while Ericsson was the technology partner in Seattle. Both companies won the majority of Verizon Wireless’ LTE network buildout contract. LG Electronics Co. and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. provided devices for the trial, while Starent Networks and Nokia Siemens Networks provided network equipment. Verizon Wireless said it expects to add devices from ST-Ericsson, Motorola Inc. and Qualcomm Inc. to future trials.
Verizon Wireless said both markets are now covered with 10 LTE cell sites running on 700 MHz spectrum and that it plans to have up to 30 markets launched in 2010 covering 100 million potential customers. Nationwide coverage is expected to be completed in 2013.