Verizon; expands; new 4G; network

Bruce Edwards; STAFF WRITER 23 July 2012

The Times Argus

Verizon Wireless is rolling out the latest generation of technology, giving Vermonters improved cell phone service and faster speeds to surf the web, download photos and stream music. Verizon has expanded its 4G LTE network beyond Burlington and northern Vermont to 18 communities in Rutland and Bennington counties. While 4G is three times faster than 3G speeds, LTE (Long Term Evolution) offers speeds up to 10 times faster (between 5 megabytes per second and 10 mbps) than 3G. "I'm actually pleasantly surprised that it's probably coming earlier than I would have predicted a year ago," said Christopher Campbell, executive director of the Vermont Telecommunications Authority. Verizon spokesman Michael Murphy said the company's schedule is to upgrade its entire 3G network to 4G LTE by the end of next year. "Here we are increasing that wireless data speed by up to about 10 times," Murphy said, "and that will allow users the ability to do a lot more things on their smartphones " He compared the increase in broadband speed of 4G LTE to increasing the speed limit tenfold on Route 7. Murphy said the conversion to LTE to provide additional capacity requires the installation of new antennas and other infrastructure work at the company's cell sites and central offices. Murphy did not have a breakout on how much Verizon has spent to upgrade its system in Vermont. However, he said throughout New England the company invests $300 million a year in its network. AT&T has plans to upgrade its existing 4G network in the state to LTE,

though no timetable has been announced, an AT&T spokeswoman said. AT&T and Verizon have been engaged in a public relations battle over which company has the best, fastest and most extensive 4G network. AT&T says its 4G HSPA+ network gives customers 4G speeds even when they're outside the company's 4G LTE area. Verizon boasts that its 4G LTE network "is available to more than twothirds of the U.S. population in 304 markets, including all six New England states, and offers more 4G LTE coverage than all other networks combined." For Verizon subscribers traveling outside a 4G LTE area, the service reverts to Verizon's slower 3G network. However, Murphy said Verizon increasingly has fewer 3G-only areas in the country as the company continues to upgrade its national network to 4G LTE. Gov. Peter Shumlin's administration has set a goal of making broadband Internet access available statewide by the end of next year using a variety of providers and wired and wireless platforms. "We feel like on meeting that goal we're making substantial progress towards that end," Campbell said. In that regard, VTel, a local phone company, is in the process of deploying a 4G LTE network. Verizon last week turned on its LTE network in the following towns: Arlington, Bennington, Brandon, Castleton, Clarendon, East Dorset, Killington, Manchester, Mendon, Peru, Pittsford, Poultney, Pownal, Rutland, Shaftsbury, Sunderland, West Rutland and Winhall. In conjunction with the upgrade to 4G LTE, Verizon launched its HomeFusion Broadband, offering residential, high-speed Internet service. Instead of a phone line, Verizon installs a cylinder-shaped antenna to the home. The signal is then relayed to a broadband router in the house. It allows a household to connect up to four wired and more than 20 wireless (WiFi) devices. The cost per month for the residential broadband service is based on gigabytes used.

For $60 a month, a customer is given an allowance of 10GB, $90 for 20GB and $120 for 30GB. The overage charge is $10 for each additional 1GB. There's also a $200 installation charge. bruce.edwards