Verizon Wireless – the world’s largest CDMA operator in terms of subscribers – has confirmed speculation it is to use Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology to upgrade its mobile network, with trials set for commencement in 2008. An evolution of GSM technology, LTE is an all-IP next-generation mobile standard regarded as the step on from HSPA technology. LTE is currently in the 3GPP’s standards development process, with a first version slated for publication in the next few months. LTE is intended to enable data rates many times faster than the high-speed mobile broadband connectivity already offered by today’s HSPA networks.
Verizon’s trial infrastructure suppliers include Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia-Siemens and Nortel. The operator stated it has also had talks with consumer electronics companies as well as traditional mobile phone manufacturers such as LG, Samsung, Motorola, Nokia and Sony Ericsson. Analysts believe the shift to the GSM family of technologies could be a blow to rival technologies such as WiMAX and future CDMA variant, Ultra Mobile Broadband. Verizon Wireless is jointly owned by Verizon and Vodafone. Vodafone is a strong proponent of GSM-based technologies.