Verizon and its next generation network
Verizon Wireless announced the launch of its 1xRTT network, as I discussed here on January 24. Here are some salient points:
1. The typical speed will be 40K - 60K bps. That's not bad, and it's a "real" -- not theoretical -- speed.
2. You will have to pay $30 extra per month to obtain the service. You do not get any additional minutes for that. That's not good.
3. You will have to purchase either a 1xRTT phone or a 1xRTT PC Card modem. Your current phone will work as normal, but the phone can't take advantage of 1xRTT data rates.
4. There is 1xRTT coverage along some major metropolitan corridors, but it's not nationwide.
5. Initially, you will pay per minute -- not per packet. Per-packet plans will be offered, but not immediately. Although packet pricing has been touted as a big advantage of these next-generation systems, per minute is sometimes better.
Bottom line: More steps forward than backward.
I have a detailed look at the Verizon 1xRTT launch in my new, free e-mail newsletter.
6:56:05 PM 
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