Verizon Testing CDMA-Compatible iPads? Possibly LTE 4G?
According to a highly placed source of ours, Verizon Wireless is currently testing Apple iPad devices on their network. We have been told that the model they are testing is a CDMA-compatible device, and while our source mentioned LTE in some capacity (possibly another model), we haven't been able to independently confirm that part of it.
Verizon is set to roll out its LTE (4G) network in up to 30 markets, having been engaged in testing in Boston and Seattle since last August. Verizon's aggressive LTE rollout puts it ahead of AT&T, the current exclusive iPhone carrier in the U.S.Apple had been expected by many observers to launch the iPad in a partnership with Verizon, but the Apple CEO Steve Jobs surprised many at the device's January introduction by announcing that it would appear as an AT&T exclusive for 3G service in the U.S. Speculation centers around AT&T having outbid its competitors with its data plans for the iPad, offering unlimited data for $29.99 per month. AT&T just today announced, of course, that it is moving to a $25/month, 2 GB data plan for the iPad, although customers on the existing unlimited plan can remain on it as long as they keep their plan active.
Verizon has also been a popular target of rumors regarding the iPhone, with Pegatron being named by sources as the manufacturer for the CDMA-specific hardware. Recent rumors have suggested that a Verizon iPhone could appear as early as November, although many observers think that a 2011 launch is more likely.
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Meaning one chip could be used for both AT&T and Verizon's data networks.
I was kind of surprised there wasn't one alongside the AT&T iPad on day 1. I'm feeling good about this coming before the end of 2010. The Verizon iPhone? Eh...I wouldn't make the same 2010 claim for that.
My guess it will be for both LTE and CDMA. From what I can tell, a lot of the LTE chips are backwards compatible with both CDMA and HSPA+ networks.
Meaning one chip could be used for both AT&T and Verizon's data networks.
Waaaaay too soon for chipmakers to have any sort of good chipset for LTE.
Yes, there are all sorts of press releases out there, but good shipping silicon doesn't exist yet.
So, no way on LTE - at least as a consumer device. Could they test with something, sure. Sell something? Heck no.
This would be EVDO Rev A only.
I gotta say... Jobs is the king if product launches. It could be he went with ATT only because of the timing and he really wanted Verizon on 4G but they weren't ready.
Only a month after giving us the ipad with 3G for an amazing 29.99 the data plan changes. Jobs knew they needed a great data price to get the launch to be spectatular. The launch is key.
The future of computing is mobile and that future is here. 29.99 unlimited is an anomoly. If you are grandfathered in KEEP IT!! or you will be kicking yourself later.
Hmmm. A CDMA ipad? Bad call. I would not definitely not buy any tablet that was locked to a single carrier.
This is likely very true, it probably would bother you a lot and you wouldn't buy one.
However, for the overwhelming majority of people, it wouldn't bother them one bit. Plus, there's no indication that this device would be locked to just one carrier, so the point may be moot.
Waaaaay too soon for chipmakers to have any sort of good chipset for LTE.
Yes, there are all sorts of press releases out there, but good shipping silicon doesn't exist yet.
So, no way on LTE - at least as a consumer device. Could they test with something, sure. Sell something? Heck no.
This would be EVDO Rev A only.
Yea but they can distribute samples to manufactures for testing. If these rumors are true, my guess would be nothing will be announced until late 2010/early 2011. Plenty of time for chips to begin shipping.
Most likely they are testing both and comparing performance statistics for battery life, speed etc.
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