DALLAS — Verizon Wireless’ plans to expand LTE coverage into smaller markets under its LTE in Rural America program are nearly set to show some results. The program, which counts a dozen operators, is currently testing with a pair of unnamed operators and is set for its first commercial launches early next year.
Philip Junker, executive director of strategic alliances at the carrier and a former executive at Alltel, noted that those dozen carriers the program is currently set to cover 124 counties in 10 states and covering 2.6 million potential customers across more than 82,000 square miles.
Junker noted that unlike the rollout of 3G networks, which was driven by the technology, LTE is being pushed by devices and how consumers are increasing data usage.
For those rural players getting involved in the program, Junker reiterated the hands-off approach Verizon Wireless is taking in how they run their networks. Junker noted that carriers would be able to set their own pricing plans for the service, including offering unlimited data packages if they so choose. This option could prove compelling to rural players looking to differentiate themselves against larger players and possible to support as they will have access to all 22 megahertz of 700 MHz spectrum Verizon Wireless is providing as part of the program. That spectrum is also being provided to rural operators through at least 2029, though carriers have noted that it was only available to operators in locations where Verizon Wireless was not already offering 3G services.
Further signifying that hands-off approach, Junker explained that rural operators were also free to negotiate with handset vendors on device pricing, which also means that Verizon Wireless was not being proactive in allowing those operators to take advantage of the larger carrier’s buying power. Junker did note that the carrier would provide a similar option for rural operators to have access to exclusive devices a short time after they are launched by Verizon Wireless that it currently offers for 3G devices.
Devices have been a touchy subject for the rural community, which has complained that Verizon Wireless’ current device requirements that LTE equipment only need to support its 700 MHz Band 13 spectrum.
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