Verizon 4G LTE covering 89% of carrier’s 3G footprint, on pace to meet year-end goal of complete coverage
Much like T-Mobile did this week, Verizon took the CES as an opportunity to give us an update on its 4G LTE status. Big Red reminds us that it currently deploys the world’s largest commercial 4G LTE network, with 473 markets and 273.5 million “potential customers” (meaning those living in America) covered.
The company’s original goal was to get its entire 3G footprint covered by the end of 2013, and it looks like there will be no issues reaching that goal. Verizon says close to 89% of its 3G footprint is covered by the super fast data speeds. By mid-year, almost all of Verizon’s 3G footprint will be covered, and the entire 3G footprint will be covered by year’s end.
Verizon has been ruthless in its rollout plans, outpacing its biggest competitors — AT&T and Sprint — at a very impressive rate. Verizon had a nice head start, of course, but its rollouts have remained steady and numerous even through today. It’s hard to find a major market without the carrier’s premium signal beaming down, and you’d be surprised how many smaller markets are currently enjoying LTE service.
It’s worthy to note that Sprint expects most of its 3G footprint to be covered by LTE by the end of this year, as well as AT&T. The difference is that neither of them promised to be completely finished, and that’s something Verizon can take into this year with its head held high. Read on for full details.
When it comes to wireless service, coverage and speed count. Customers can get the most out of the latest 4G LTE smartphones and tablets when they are used over a pervasive and speedy 4G LTEnetwork.
So it matters that, as 2013 begins, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is now available in 473 marketsand extends to 273.5 million potential customers. Already the largest commercial 4G LTE network in the world, the Verizon Wireless network continues to expand. Currently covering close to 89 percent of its U.S. footprint, by mid-year 4G LTE will be available in nearly every US market currently served by the company’s 3G data service. And by year’s end, the Verizon 4G LTE footprint will completely cover the area served today by its 3G network.
With the wide availability of 4G LTE, companies can use M2M solutions to make their businesses more efficient and secure, while consumers can use 4G LTE devices to interact with friends, family and brands through mobile video and online gaming. It also means more people across the country can take advantage of 4G LTE’s speed and coverage to access new and exciting services, including the in-home solution HomeFusion Broadband.
Fueled by expanding 4G LTE coverage, eMarketer predicts that more than 73 million people will watch mobile video in 2013, a 20 percent increase from 2012. And when a business invests in a Machine-to-Machine, online collaboration or mobile payment solution, it has more potential return on that investment with more deployment options in more parts of the country.
This year, the company also will continue to work with rural communications companies through LTE in Rural America, helping them to build and operate a 4G LTE network in their areas.
As we move forward in 2013 with the expansion of our 4G LTE network, we will continue seeing innovative products and solutions that reshape communications in many areas, ranging from business to education to healthcare.