Verizon to launch LTE 4G network in 20-30 U.S. markets in 2010

Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam said Wednesday that the company plans to launch its Long Term Evolution (LTE) fourth generation mobile broadband network in 20 to 30 U.S. markets in the second half of 2010. After the initial rollout, the company will blanket the country with a nationwide buildout until late 2013 to early 2014.

In February at Mobile World Congress, Verizon detailed plans to launch U.S. LTE services starting in 2010, but offered few details.

The company is likely to keep its "very stable," 2G CDMA services after its LTE network gains momentum, and Verizon CTO Tony Melone expects the price of mobile data services to drop as a result, he said last week. Verizon's 3G EV-DO network will have a much shorter lifespan, he said. [via GearLog]