DENVER, July 28 (UPI) -- Several communications firms say they are gearing up for 4G wireless networks, which will first be available in major metropolitan areas.
LightSquared, owned by billionaire Philip Falcone, said it reached a $7 billion deal with Nokia Siemens Networks to launch 4G wireless networks in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Baltimore and Denver, The Denver Post reported Wednesday.
LightSquared spokesman Bob Kelley said the firm was in "very advanced negotiations with over 30 potential partners," such as phone or regional carriers, who would take advantage of 4G systems reported to be 10 times faster than 3G networks.
Kelley said the company will have its entire 3G "footprint" overlaid with 4G by the end of 2013. The initial launch of Verizon's 4G system will take place in 30 cities, but which ones is still being kept under wraps.
Sprint has already launched 4G, using the WiMax system, which puts it slightly ahead of the marketplace, as only one mobile phone, the HTC Evo, can make use of the faster system, the newspaper said.
