Verizon Wireless engineers report trials showing peak download speeds of 40 to 50 megabits per second (Mbps) and peak upload speeds of 20 to 25 Mbps and expects LTE average data rates of 5 to 12 Mbps on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink in real-world environments.

Running on a nationwide license won at auction in 2008, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is being built to ultimately have the broadest geographic coverage and to leverage the deepest spectrum capabilities by using a commercial broadband technology that is unrivaled in its ability to extend into buildings.

Lowell McAdam, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless, said, “The CTIA WIRELESS convention is the perfect setting to focus on the important behind-the-scenes work we are doing with more than 25 partners to bring 4G LTE to life. Our progress is good, and we’re confident that the next generation of wireless network technology will deliver the speed, reliability and bandwidth that businesses, government and consumers have been anticipating. Our work on 4G LTE underscores our continuing commitment to provide the best wireless experience available today. Building and operating great wireless networks is what we do, and everything we do at Verizon Wireless – from devices to applications to solutions – stems from that foundation of network know-how.”

The Path to 4G LTE
A variety of partners are working within the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE ecosystem, leading to robust business models with strong value chains. Verizon Wireless continues to create, foster and support these on-ramps to LTE, including through the LTE Innovation Center, Open Development and the Verizon Developer Community. Leaders from each of these efforts will join Verizon Wireless Chief Technical Officer Tony Melone to discuss how Verizon Wireless is bringing it all together in an open, collaborative way at a media panel.
Source: Verizon Wireless

"BASKING RIDGE, NJ -- Verizon Wireless today announced it will host a webcast on Jan. 20, 2010, to review updated specifications for wireless devices that will run on the nationwide 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network it is building on the Upper 700 MHz C-Block spectrum. Released today, the updated specifications address network access and SMS requirements and data retry test plans, as well as include new information about lab and signaling conformance, the open development device approval and introduction process and more. These documents will help guide developers into the next phase of bringing their LTE devices to the Verizon Wireless network.

Verizon Wireless plans to launch its 4G LTE wireless network in 25 to 30 markets next year and cover virtually all of its current nationwide 3G footprint with the next-generation network by the end of 2013. The company’s 4G LTE network will ultimately connect a full range of electronics devices and machines.

Jan. 20, 2010, Webcast for Developers will Review Specifications and Answer Developer Questions. Please see Verizon's press room for details."

North American laggs behind in 4G technology for many reasons. The biggest reason is old infrastructure. In America we have had telephones and communications for so long that many systems are built on whats there. This makes change hard to implement.

In newer and developing countries infrastructure is built from the ground up using newest technology. That's why if you travel to parts Europe the speed of wireless makes Americas Wireless feel like dial up.

This is very exciting and will insure that the Android movement has room to grow. We have heard estimates of Android grabbing 30% of the Cell Phone Market by 2011. If Verizon can improve faster than the other guy then the Droid will benefit for sure.