Verizon Launches First EV-DO 3G Handset

Verizon Wireless originally launched and scaled up their 3G network while only offering PCMCIA devices as the customer equipment. That meant that the EV-DO network was being exclusively used for data access from laptop computers. Today, Verizon Wireless finally launched their first terminal devices in a handset format, and it's the XV-6600 by UTStarcom with OS by MSFT. We probably shouldn't be surprised that it's a smartphone device, since this class of handset can best take advantage of the fast data network. This device will be able to receive data at speeds between 300 and 500 Kbps while within Verizon Wireless' growing 3G coverage area. We are curious as to the pricing plans that will be made available on this device, as well as the ability of Bluetooth to act as a relay to a laptop, turning the phone into a broadband modem. I'd love the modem function, because the fast data rate serves a laptop more obviously than a phone (consider that Blackberry's worked great on 9,600Kbps networks.) Of course, faster speeds are welcome on any device! This announcement makes VZW just the second US carrier to launch a 3G handset, after AT&TWS which launched two W-CDMA handsets earlier this year.

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