VERIZON WIRELESS EXPANDS 3G

Verizon Wireless is taking the next steps to going nationwide with its CDMA 1X EV-DO services, this week launching its 3G network in 11 new markets and 24 airports.

Verizon Wireless executives said the carrier would aggressively pursue further rollouts this year and next until two-thirds of its pops were covered by the end of 2005. A consumer service, however, won't be launched until next year, allowing Verizon to focus its deployment plans solely on the mobile professional and enterprise segments.

Cindy Patterson, vice president of enterprise data at Verizon Wireless, said a nationwide rollout is critical to attracting enterprise customers, adding that the deployment of services to airports outside of its 14-market 3G footprint was an additional nod to mobile professionals. While she didn't mention 3G competitor AT&T Wireless by name, she made clear reference to the fact that AT&T Wireless has not made any additional commitment to deploying its UMTS network beyond its recent initial six-market launch.

#8220;We don't introduce a technology in four to six markets and make you wonder if your technology is obsolete,” Patterson said.

While the deployment focuses on many of the larger, tech-oriented markets in the U.S., particularly Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta, many smaller markets such as Milwaukee, and Tampa, Fla., made the cut. The rest of the new markets include Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Kansas City (in Kansas and Missouri); Miami; Philadelphia; and West Palm Beach, Fla.