The 4G LTE battle between AT&T Wireless and Verizon Wireless heated up on Friday as both US mobile networks announced plans to extend their LTE programs.
In AT&T’s case, the LTE expansion is part of plans the wireless company announced in April 2012. The mobile network has promised to roll out 4G LTE coverage to 400 cities by the end of 2012. Today’s rollout for AT&T Wireless covers Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware.
Verizon Wireless, in the meantime, has pushed out new 4G LTE service to Jefferson City, Missouri with more cities going live on September 20. Markets Verizon Wireless will launch with 4G LTE by the end of the month include the following:
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
- The Hays, Kansas
- Rolla, Missouri
- Lawrence, Kansas
- Bremerton, Washington
- Silverdale, Wshington
- Emporia, Kansas
- Coffeyville, Kansas
- Buffalo, New York
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Fort Myers, Florida
- Tampa Bay, Florida
With speeds believed to be 10 times faster than traditional 3G and 3.5G (HSPA+) mobile data networks, the push for 4G LTE has been one of the biggest marketing campaigns in recent mobile carrier marketing.
Sprint Wireless on September 10 announced plans to roll out 4G LTE to 100 cities in the coming months. In the meantime T-Mobile is still trying to sell customers on unlimited monthly use of its slower HSPA+ mobile data network, which is often referred to by the wireless company as 4G technology.
Would you choose a wireless carrier at this time based on its 4G LTE coverage, or do other factors play into your final decision when choosing a US mobile carrier?
