Verizon Starts Cannibalizing 3G Airwaves for LTE 4G
Dec 3, 2014, 3:27 PM by Eric M. Zeman
updated Dec 3, 2014, 3:59 PM
Verizon Wireless has begun testing the use of LTE 4G on its PCS spectrum, airwaves it primarily uses to operate its CDMA-EVDO 3G network, in Manhattan. GigaOm confirmed with Verizon that the company has begun to steal capacity from its 3G network in favor of 4G, though it is doing so slowly and in limited scope. Verizon already announced plans to repurpose its 3G spectrum for 4G beginning next year, and this appears to mark the start of the transition. Verizon won't shut down either 2G or 3G entirely, at least not in the short term. Verizon still relies on its 2G network for its voice services. Moreover, some 41 million Verizon customers still use 2G/3G equipment. Verizon didn't say how fast it will convert its PCS spectrum to LTE, nor did it say which, if any, phones support LTE in the PCS band. According to FCC documents, however, the Apple iPhone 6/6 Plus and Motorola Droid Turbo support Verizon's LTE in the 1900MHz band.
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