Behind Verizon Wireless' 4G rural buildout plan

[Commentary] Verizon plans to build out its 700 MHz spectrum to match its current 3G footprint by 2013. In areas where Verizon does not offer 3G service today, the company wants to work with small carriers in building out 4G service based on long-term evolution (LTE) technology.

Small carriers would have the option of building out the 700 MHz spectrum themselves or letting Verizon build it, sharing some of the small carriers' existing infrastructure. Nelson expects the majority of carriers participating in the program to opt to let Verizon build the network, which would be the less costly alternative. As for timing, a Verizon spokesperson said, "We expect to see substantial movement in 2011." Sounds like a polite way of saying 2012 or later for service availability. Small carriers that want to make service available sooner, however, may opt to build out Verizon's 700 MHz spectrum on their own and tie it to Verizon's core network. In either case, the small carriers would offer service to their customers under their own name, not Verizon's.