US mobile operator Verizon Wireless is planning to switch its network technology from US-based CDMA2000 to European-based W-CDMA when it rolls out its next-generation broadband network.
Verizon, which is joint owned by Vodafone, said it will develop and deploy long-term evolution (
LTE) which is the “4G” version of the technology which will be used in Europe’s networks. The technology is being developed by Europe’s Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards organisation.
The adoption aligns the US network with European networks to allow easier roaming for customers.
Trials of the technology will start in 2008 with suppliers including Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia-Siemens and Nortel.
“A number of factors are setting the stage for our 4G network migration,” said Richard Lynch, CTO of Verizon. “We believe LTE is the best technology with global scale to deliver on the promise.”