Vodafone CEO Arun Sarin and Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg announced at the Goldman Sachs investor conference this week that both carriers are planning on using the same technology for their 4G networks and that both are working on the LTE standard. While both Vodafone and Verizon own stakes in Verizon Wireless (45 percent and 55 percent, respectively), Vodafone uses different technology than Verizon Wireless does in its networks overseas. Vodafone makes use of GSM and HSPA, while VZW has deployed CDMA and EV-DO Rev. A, but these technologies are not compatible--making it impossible for the companies' subscribers to roam on each others networks while travelling.
"It makes complete sense for us to go from HSDPA to LTE and it makes sense for Verizon to go from EV-DO to LTE." Sarin said. The CEO said it would be another three or four years before LTE could be deployed.
For more on Verizon Wireless and LTE:
- read this article from Unstrung