Verizon today unveiled more detail about their LTE wireless broadband launch, announcing that they'll be offering the 5-12 Mbps service in 38 markets and 60 airports starting December 5 (AKA this Sunday). Most importantly, Verizon finally unveiled their pricing for the new service, which after a year filled with endless hints by executives about wanting to try something new -- winds up being somewhat underwhelming, traditional, and expensive.
The base pricing for LTE laptop connectivity via USB modem (there will be no smartphones at launch) is significantly more expensive than the 3G pricing they unveiled in October, though the caps are obviously higher. Verizon's LTE pricing will now be $50 for 5GB of usage, or $80 for 10 GB of usage, with $10 per each additional GB. Verizon had this to say:
Verizon Wireless customers can choose from two 4G LTE Mobile Broadband data plans: $50 monthly access for 5 GB monthly allowance or $80 monthly access for 10 GB monthly allowance, both with $10/GB overage. For laptop connectivity, two 4G LTE USB modems will be initially available: the LG VL600 is available at launch and the Pantech UML290 will be available soon, each $99.99 after $50 rebate with a new two-year agreement. Both USB modems provide backward-compatibility with Verizon Wireless' 3G network. If laptop users travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, they will automatically stay connected on the company's 3G network.
It's interesting to note there's not even really an entry level LTE plan (say $25 for a gig of use) after literally dozens of Verizon executive comments claiming usage-based pricing was going to be the future. We'll assume this pricing may evolve as the company begins offering LTE smartphones, which Verizon today announced will arrive sometime in "mid-2011". Verizon also again today confirmed these devices will initially use 3G/CDMA for voice until LTE voice standards are hashed out. [DSL Reports]
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