This move could be a blow to Qualcomm Inc, the developer of the CDMA technology and backers of WiMax, a rival emerging technology that is supported by Intel. Verizon's current wireless network is based on CMDA. CDMA was state of the art when it was introduced, but not it lags behind PCS or GSM network technology that other cellular carriers use.
But the move could benefit wireless equipment makers that will help with its trial of the technology including Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Motorola, Nortel and Nokia-Siemens.
Verizon said it had talks with consumer electronics companies as well as traditional phone makers such as LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics and Motorola, Nokia, and Sony Ericsson.
Verizon did not give a time frame for building the network, but one company spokesman had estimated it could be 2010 or 2011 before it was possible to start using LTE commercially.
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