Verizon Wireless reported Monday that it is updating its specifications for its 4G LTE 700-MHz devices.

"These documents will help guide developers into the next phase of bringing their LTE devices to the Verizon Wireless network," the firm said in a statement. Verizon Wireless, a partnership of Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group, acquired several billion dollars worth of 700-MHz spectrum last year in a public FCC auction.

The new specs are aimed at helping developers design products and services that will run on the firm's LTE network, which is scheduled to launch in 2010 in 25 to 30 U.S. markets. The initial services are likely to be data services, delivered primarily via data cards. Voice handsets are likely to debut later.
Noting that its 4G network will operate on the Upper 700-Mhz C-Block spectrum, Verizon Wireless said the updated specs address network access and SMS requirements as well as data retry test plans. In addition, the updated specifications will include new information about lab and signaling conformance, open development device approval, and introduction process.

The new specs will be outlined in a Webcast on Jan. 20, Verizon Wireless said.

The company has launched trial LTE networks in suburban Boston, where it has located its LTE Innovation Center, and in the Seattle area near Microsoft, which supplies search capability for Verizon wireless devices.

Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson are the "founding participants" in the center. A group of venture capital firms are participating in the core working group at the center. In addition to Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson, other participants in the core working group include Charles River Ventures, Northbridge Venture Partners, Norwest Venture Partners, New Venture Partners, and Redpoint Ventures.

source:informationweek