Late last week, Verizon Wireless reported that approximately 5% of its subscribers actually use 4G LTE devices despite it being more widespread, faster and arguably reliable than other “4G” options from the rest of the US carriers.
iPad 3 & iPhone 5 may jump on the Verizon LTE network this year
Of course, the price is what likely keeps users of the LTE networks, as well as the lack of non-Android options. We’ve recorded blazing download speeds on LTE devices like the Motorola DROID 4, DROID RAZR, XOOM and Bionic. However just like with all other data networks, as its adoption becomes widespread and we see more users on board, the heavier load will no doubt result in network slowdowns.
Given that the latest rumors suggest the iPad 3 and upcoming iPhone 5 will likely support 4G LTE, it isn’t far fetched to assume that the number of users on Verizon’s LTE network could easily double if not more. This in addition to Verizon claiming that all new phones they come out with this year will be 4G capable, many subscribers will be shifting away from 3G this year.
It’s no secret that the iPhone is popular and the fastest selling smartphone on Verizon Wireless at the moment. The same can be said about the iPad 2 which dominates the tablet market in terms of sales. With the upcoming iPad 3 expected to launch on March 7th and be in stores as early as the week after, we may see many more LTE-capable devices hop on the network by the end of this month.
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