Is this the beginning of the end for Verizon’s (News - Alert) 3G networks? Verizon’s LTE network started out in the 700MHz block C range, but has since been expanded to AWS 1700/2100. While Verizon calls this XLTE it is really just a marketing term, in essence it is just another LTE (News - Alert) frequency to increase bandwidth. Verizon’s 3G network runs on 1900 and 850MHz and is used for both voice and 3G data known as EV-DO.
The fact of the matter is that Verizon has been repurposing slices of its 1900MHz block for LTE in several markets around New York. Users who still have a 3G device might have noticed this, it means that phones in these test areas will only have 3G over the 850MHz band and while this may not be a problem for voice calls, they will definitely notice problems with data.
According to an article in Digital Trends, the switch over from 3G to 4G services has already taken place in Manhattan. It seems that Verizon has by this time turned off some of its 3G frequencies and quickly reactivated those using LTE signals. This process is still in the early stages of testing and full switch over expected to happen sometime in 2015.
A positive aspect of having additional 4G LTE spectrum and all of Verizon’s subscribers using LTE capable smartphones is the ability to access Voice over LTE (VoLTE). VoLTE is an all-IP (Internet Protocol) technology that integrates a network's enhanced calling features into smartphones, which should then create a seamless experience for customers.
In the beginning of November, I reported that AT&T (News - Alert) and Verizon were moving toward VoLTE interoperability. Both wireless companies are working to ensure that VoLTE calls made by customers on the different carriers can interconnect with one another. If all goes according to plan, we should see AT&T and Verizon enable VoLTE-to-VoLTE connections sometime next year.
While in all probability, most of Verizon’s subscribers already own a 4G device, what happens to the select few that have not made the move? Believe it or not, there are still some people out there that only use their phone as a phone. I even know a few who still have a flip phone that is several years old. I suppose that Verizon’s switch over will mean that they have no choice expect to spend money and purchase a new device.
Edited by Alisen Downey