Verizon 4G data plans
This morning, Verizon had a conference call and tweet session to announce launch details for their new "built from the ground up" 4G network.
Initial pricing and devices:
-- 5gb for $50/month
-- 10gb for $80/month
-- $10/GB overage for either
These plans are the same as recent 3G data plan changes for MiFi, but there do not appear to be any 'no-contract' options.
VZW will have Pantech USB modem available on Sunday, December 5th, only at Verizon stores.
The LG 4G modem comes soon after and other brands/models coming later.
Both the Pantech and LG will cost $99.99 after $50 MIR, on 2-year contracts (no-contract options don't exist yet)
The 4G modems ARE going to be 3G backwards compatible.
In my opinion, this backwards compatibility explains why current 3G USB modems were excluded from earlier 3G data plan announcements.
VZW reinforced that they have the necessary spectrum to provide coast-to-coast coverage with their new 4G network.
They consider their new 4G network to be highly complementary to their existing 3G network.
Customers should expect 5 to 10mb downloads and 2 to 5mb uploads, representing what they call "up to ten times" the performance of their 3G network. 4G latency should be "about half" of what their 3G customers currently experience, and they claim it will feel more like wired service.
The session focused mostly on dedicated data service, but some info did come out about voice service on LTE.
They plan on having the first LTE phones by end of first half of 2011, and will provide simultaneous voice and data by pushing voice over 3G.
Planned improvements over time do NOT include faster maximum speeds... it sounds like they plan on offering "up to 10mbs" download for the time being.
