VZW & LTE
I have read about VZW adopting LTE for 4G. Does this mean that VZW will be switching to using SIM cards? Thanks for the info 🙂
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Verizon has chosen LTE as its next technical platform, and will continue to use CDMA for some time to transition into the new technology. We should see Verizon on two platforms sometime in 2010.
As for SIM cards, SIM cards are exclusively GSM. Just because LTE is a natural progression from GSM doesn't mean that the technology has been fine-tuned, standardized to the point of being finalized, or in any way ready for launch. There's no telling WHAT or IF LTE will be using any sort of identification card.
Using what we know of Verizon's past, we could naturally assume they will not use a form of LTE with a card similar to GSM's SIM card. However, given Verizon's willingness to play in the non-subsidized market by the end of this year,...
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As for SIM cards, SIM cards are exclusively GSM. Just because LTE is a natural progression from GSM doesn't mean that the technology has been fine-tuned, standardized to the point of being finalized, or in any way ready for launch. There's no telling WHAT or IF LTE will be using any sort of identification card.
Using what we know of Verizon's past, we could naturally assume they will not use a form of LTE with a card similar to GSM's SIM card. However, given Verizon's willingness to play in the non-subsidized market by the end of this year,...
(continues)
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Good post vinsideguy! 95% correct and 95% complete. I'll add a few things here:
CDMA doesn't use SIM cards because the network elements, despite their spectrum efficient and top-n...
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vinsideguy said:
For the record, CDMA could have its own version of a SIM card, called a RUIM. It wasn't part of the initial technology, and for consistency it made more sense for CDMA-based carriers to continue to use non-RUIM systems. Most naysayers will tell you CDMA carrier don't use the RUIM because they want more control over the handset. The card has little to do with carrier control, as evident by the many GSM phones locked to particular carriers. Other than that, what, exactly, would the carrier NEED to control?
CDMA doesn't use SIM cards because the network elements, despite their spectrum efficient and top-n...
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Thank you for the excellent response.
I agree with the supply channel issue. It will make much more sense to have access to devices produced in larger quantities, software locking aside.
As for the issue of locked handsets, we might find litigation or legislation changing that before LTE is rolled out. The locking issue has been fought over for some time now, and resolution may end up favoring the general consumer.
I've heard that Verizon has successfully tested a CDMA-1XEVDO to LTE handover. I'm sure they'll have that covered during the transition between technologies, even if this rumor is untrue.
Additionally, it makes complete sense to maintain a system of simplicity and similarity between Verizon Wireless and it's minorit...
(continues)
I agree with the supply channel issue. It will make much more sense to have access to devices produced in larger quantities, software locking aside.
As for the issue of locked handsets, we might find litigation or legislation changing that before LTE is rolled out. The locking issue has been fought over for some time now, and resolution may end up favoring the general consumer.
I've heard that Verizon has successfully tested a CDMA-1XEVDO to LTE handover. I'm sure they'll have that covered during the transition between technologies, even if this rumor is untrue.
Additionally, it makes complete sense to maintain a system of simplicity and similarity between Verizon Wireless and it's minorit...
(continues)
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