Summary
Verizon's announcement for LTE deployment in 2009 represents a marketing response to Sprint's plans for nationwide application of its 4G version of WiMax. Both are jockeying for position in a world where speed will win in the race of broadband. In general, the competition is good, as long as shortcuts are not selected over product/application quality. Investors must be cautious in reacting to this news.
Analysis
Long Term Evolution (LTE) and WiMax are competing 4G products with an enticing promise of data rates up to 100 Mbps. Verizon and Sprint are the underlying foes in this battle for wireless domination. Recently, each has announced the projected nationwide deployment in 2009 and 2010 respectively. The question that is begged is whether this is market jockeying or is this an expectation that will become a reality. The implications for each could potentially be an injection by excited investors searching for a diamond in this economically unfriendly rough. Care and caution is still recommended, despite promises of upcoming implementation.
