Verizon Wireless is set to expand its recently unveiled HomeFusion Broadband offering nationwide beginning tomorrow. The service relies on the carrier’s LTE network and was initially announced earlier this year.
For Verizon Wireless’ parent company, Verizon Communications, the service will allow it to expand broadband services outside of its current wired footprint. Verizon Wireless’ LTE network currently covers more than 200 million potential customers in 230 markets, and is set to expand to more than 280 million pops covered by the middle of next year.
To use the service, consumers will need to purchase a $200 wireless antenna that resembles a metal cylinder mounted outside the home. That antenna will then transmit the LTE signal to an indoor router that will use Wi-Fi to connect up to 20 wireless devices or can be connected to up to four wired connections. Network speeds are marketed at 5 to 12 megabits per second on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. The antenna has to be professionally installed, though that price is included in the device with Asurion handling the installation.
Pricing will range from $60 per month of 10 gigabytes of data transmission up to 30 GB for $120 per month. Overage charges will be at $10 per GB.
The service also relies on the carrier’s 700 MHz spectrum assets that currently power its LTE network. Verizon Wireless recently noted it was looking to sell off some if its currently unused 700 MHz spectrum licenses if the Federal Communications Commission approves pending transactions to acquire 1.7/2.1 GHz spectrum from a handful of cable companies. Verizon Wireless is looking to use the 1.7/2.1 GHz spectrum to add capacity to its LTE network in densely populated markets.
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