Verizon debuts 4G LTE network

By Kimberley Donoghue
PBN Web Editor
Twitter: @ kdonog

PROVIDENCE – Verizon Wireless rolled out its 4G Long Term Evolution network in Providence and 21 communities Rhode Island and Massachusetts on Nov. 17.

The network is about 10 times faster than the 3G network, according to Mike Murphy, Verizon New England public relations. It is the first 4G LTE network in Providence, as far as Murphy knew of.

In an informal testing of the network by Providence Business News staff, a Blackberry user said the Verizon network was as fast as his desktop computer and “no comparison” to his current mobile speeds.

“That wired experience – the one that you’re used to having at your desk – you’re taking that mobile. And that has so many ramifications for business,” Murphy said.

Verizon still has its 3G network in place for the foreseeable network. The 4G LTE network is separate network that requires its own antennas, backhaul, etc. that they began building a year ago.

It now covers 179 markets and 186 million customers.