Verizon preps local LTE network, Comcast launches WiFi offering

Updated, 10/13: Comcast communications rep Charlie Douglas writes to correct us that Comcast’s Xfinity WiFi is not related to its 4G Xfinity 2go service, which launched last year. “The [Xfinity WiFi] devices are located directly on our existing hybrid fiber-optic coaxial cable network,” Douglas says.
Philadelphia is no stranger to being a mobile testground for telecommunication companies, and two announcements last week have not broken that trend.
Verizon Wireless has announced at a CTIA mobile conference in San Francisco that Philadelphia will be a part of the company’s initial 4G Long Term Evolution mobile technology launch. The fourth generation tech, which will be available before the end of the year, will allow devices average downloads of 5 to 12Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps.
Comcast, too, officially launched its new entered the 4G mobile market Xfinity WiFi network last week, PC Mag reports. Comcast’s residential broadband customers in Philadelphia and some parts of New Jersey are able to access the hotspots at no cost. Users can locate hotspots for the service here.

It’s becoming a crowded market for high-speed broadband services in the region. Last year, Clear launched its 4G WiMAX network, which powers Comcast’s Xfinity 2 Go and Sprint‘s 4G network. All three companies provide their own 4G service under the whitelabel network.
In related news, Verizon Wireless also announced this morning that it has improved cellular connectivity to Delaware County with a new cell site. The tower increases coverage in Chester Heights and along Cheyney Road to Springlawn, Valleybrook Road to Bodley and along Route 1.