Verizon Wireless has revealed that it has completed its first successful Long Term Evolution (LTE) fourth-generation (4G) data call in Boston, based on the 3GPP Release 8 standard. The company also revealed that it had earlier completed the first LTE 4G data call based on the 3GPP Release 8 standard in Seattle. The successful data calls involved streaming video, file uploads and downloads, and web browsing. Verizon adds that it has also succeeded in making data calls using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to enable voice transmissions over the LTE 4G network. 
In collaboration with its network infrastructure providers, Verizon says the successful completion of the data calls over its 700 MHz spectrum in Boston and Seattle marks the next step in its deployment for building its LTE 4G wireless network, which is being built on the 3GPP Release 8 standard. In both locations, the data calls were executed on commercial infrastructure platforms.
Technology partners helping to enable data calls in these initial markets include Alcatel-Lucent (Boston) and Ericsson (Seattle) for base station/radio access network, LG and Samsung for trial devices, and Starent Networks and Nokia Siemens Networks for network equipment. Devices from LG and Samsung will soon be supplemented by devices from ST Ericsson, Motorola and Qualcomm. 
Verizon Wireless, with outstanding cooperation from our partner suppliers, is fully committed to harnessing the power of LTE over our 700MHz spectrum, says Verizon Wireless Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, Tony Melone. This combination of state-of-the-art technology and prime spectrum will soon make a ubiquitous, highly mobile, super fast broadband experience a reality for customers. This significant milestone in our LTE 4G network testing, exemplified by the first data calls in Boston and Seattle, further validates our early support and decision to select LTE as the standard for our next-generation wireless broadband network.
Boston and Seattle each now have 10 LTE 4G cell sites up and running on the 700MHz spectrum. These LTE 4G markets were selected by network planners due to their geographic configuration of suburban and urban areas, as well as the areas high technology-savvy population. Verizon says the trials will help it and its LTE 4G network partners understand LTE 4G issues, including how best to prepare cell sites and how to add the new technology to the network. 
Verizon says it expects to commercially launch its LTE 4G network in up to 30 markets in 2010, covering 100 million people. In subsequent years, it says, an equally aggressive growth plan will result in full nationwide coverage in 2013. 
Theres more information about Verizon Wirelesss LTE 4G network plans here.