Verizon Wireless To Expand Broadband Network

Verizon Wireless on Thursday said it will expand its high-speed cellular data network across the country, spending more than $1 billion over the next two years.

The BroadbandAccess CMDA 1xRTT network, which Verizon calls EV-DO, or Evolution-Data Optimized, allows download speeds averaging about 400 Kbps.

The network has been running in Washington, D.C., and San Diego since October. Verizon says the network will become available throughout significant portions of its nationwide service footprint this summer, with additional markets phased in through 2005.

"The wireless data wars are heating up," telecom analyst Jeff Kagan says. "We are reaching true broadband speeds. Verizon Wireless should be very successful with this, especially with their high-value target customers and the mobile professionals."