Verizon Wireless
announced Wednesday it will begin offering 4G wireless service in 38 U.S. markets on Sunday with pricing less than
what it charges for some 3G plans. With the rollout of its 4G LTE network, the nation's largest carrier will offer a $50 monthly plan for five gigabytes of data, which is $10 less than its current 3G
plan and Sprint's competing 4G offering. An $80 monthly plan will buy 10 GB of data.
The 4G network will initially be open to laptop users through special USB modems that will cost $100 with a
two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate. Verizon will start selling 4G compatible smartphones and service plans in 2011. Verizon Wireless CTO Tony Melone promised the 4G network would be a
"quantum generational step up" from Verizon's current 3G service. Sprint, the first U.S. carrier to introduce 4G service, on Monday said it had added another six cities, including Los Angeles and Miami, to bring its total for 4G coverage to 68 markets.