Verizon is reportedly closer to launch its faster 4G LTE network for areas covered under AWS spectrum and calls it XLTE.
Verizon, the largest wireless carrier in the U.S., is closing in on the new and improved 4G LTE broadband through AWS spectrum under a new brand name called "XLTE." The wireless carrier has long been widening its LTE pipes and the latest reports supporting the claims of deploying the boosted 4G LTE in select areas reveal the roll-out of XLTE starting May 19. According to a new leaked image by popular tipster @evleaks, the XLTE network will offer double 4G LTE bandwidth and higher peak speeds.
It's about to get fast up in here... pic.twitter.com/LGLlArB4NG
— @evleaks (@evleaks) May 16, 2014
Verizon already announced that the AWS spectrum will be deployed in up to 50 markets nationwide by mid-2014 and beginning the roll-out next week makes a lot of sense. The news of XLTE deployment was first reported by Droid-Life, Tuesday, citing sources updated on Verizon's big plans. The report also highlights that the AWS spectrum will be supported on the latest smartphone models, such as the Galaxy S5 and HTC One (M8) and other models launched in the last 12 months. The network boost will be sent to all customers with phones that are compatible through an over-the-air update.
Droid-Life notes no changes to the device's settings are necessary for customers to enjoy faster network speeds. Despite the new branding, the network indicator will still show 4G LTE instead of XLTE.
The XLTE roll-out comes at a crucial time for Verizon, as the competition gets fierce in the U.S. wireless market. According to Engadget, T-Mobile, the fastest growing wireless network in the country, is already using extra spectrum to boost its LTE speeds. The overly-crowded LTE market has resulted in slowed down speeds for its customers and using the extra spectrum to give a push seems a sensible move on carrier's behalf.
The latest reports do not reveal the names of the markets that will get Verizon's XLTE network at launch, but the carrier is likely to unleash details on Monday.
