Mobile network operators in the US have spent almost twenty years lagging behind the rest of the world when it comes to mobile technology, but now the global move toward super-fast mobile phone networks using a single technology standard is being led by mobile operators in the US.
It seems likely that by 2011 most Americans will have access to super-fast mobile broadband services as companies like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, LightSquared, MetroPCS Communications and Leap are either planning or building out Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks throughout the country.
A commitment to adopt LTE technology has been agreed with around 130 mobile network operators throughout the world, although the development of this advanced mobile network technology is something that network operators in the US are looking to play a leading role in. High speed data transfer, advanced online gaming, video streaming and high-definition video conferencing are just some of the highly demanding mobile multimedia services that LTE technology will allow users in the US to enjoy. The launching of IP-based voice services over mobile networks will also be something that mobile operators in the US are looking to become the first to provide using the new LTE technology.
LTE services were launched in Las Vegas back in September by CDMA operator MetroPCS and following this it advised that this year and in 2011 it expected to increase its LTE network coverage to other cities throughout the country. Also, Verizon Wireless, the largest CDMA operator in the US, advised that in the fourth quarter of 2010 its LTE network will be fully operational and available in 30 major cities throughout the country and will be available to around 100 million users in these cities.
Source – Wireless Week