Verizon set to serve up 3G wireless, Wi-Fi access

Verizon Wireless revealed Monday at CTIA 2003 in New Orleans that it will launch 3G wireless networks in two markets, as well as nationwide Wi-Fi access, in the fall.

The 3G networks, based on 1xEV-DO technology, will be rolled out in Washington, D.C. and San Diego. Trials in both markets have already been completed.

The networks will give users speeds up to 2.4M bit/sec, with average speeds ranging from 300K bit/sec to 1M bit/sec, much faster than Verizon Wireless’s existing 2.5G 1xRTT Express Network, which offers maximum speeds of 144K bit/sec.

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Verizon Wireless revealed Monday at CTIA 2003 in New Orleans that it will launch 3G wireless networks in two markets, as well as nationwide Wi-Fi access, in the fall.

The 3G networks, based on 1xEV-DO technology, will be rolled out in Washington, D.C. and San Diego. Trials in both markets have already been completed.

The networks will give users speeds up to 2.4M bit/sec, with average speeds ranging from 300K bit/sec to 1M bit/sec, much faster than Verizon Wireless’s existing 2.5G 1xRTT Express Network, which offers maximum speeds of 144K bit/sec.

Verizon Wireless also plans to complement its wireless 2.5G and 3G networks with Wi-Fi access by partnering with Wayport, an operator of Wi-Fi hot spots across the U.S.

Currently, users wanting to travel between high-speed cellular data networks and Wi-Fi hotspots would require separate modems for each network, says Verizon Wireless spokesperson Andrea Linsky. But, she adds, Verizon Wireless is working with vendors to manufacture modems that would support both types of networks.

Verizon Wireless will reveal its 3G and Wi-Fi pricing plans closer to the services’ launch dates. The company is not revealing 3G rollout plans for any other markets at this time, Linsky says.