Verizon Wireless expands data plans

Last week at CTIA Wireless 2003 in New Orleans, Verizon Wireless announced plans to support two new wireless technologies that will offer users more options when connecting to the Internet.

Verizon says it will roll out 1xEV-DO (1x Evolution Data Optimized), “data only,” support throughout its network. The first service provider trial will take place in Washington, D.C., and San Diego in the third quarter. Verizon did not say how long the trial would last.

Users of the 1xEV-DO service are required to deploy new hardware that supports the technology. The standard supports mobile data transmission rates up to 2.4M bit/sec. Verizon is one of the first service providers in the U.S. to commit to a 1xEV-DO service.

The service provider is also jumping on the 802.11b Wi-Fi wireless LAN bandwagon and plans to introduce a Verizon branded Wi-Fi service in the third quarter. The service provider inked a deal with Wayport that will allow Verizon customers to use Wayport access points across the country.

The Wi-Fi service will allow users to access the Internet or their corporate networks at up to 11M bit/sec. While most users see slower speeds, it is still significantly faster than the typically 40K-bit/sec to 56K-bit/sec rate most users see today with mobile wireless data services.

In January, AT&T Wireless announced an agreement with Wayport to offer its customers Wi-Fi services. The service, called GoPort is available now.