Verizon appears to be preparing to play catchup with AT&T in the 3G femtocell game

Dan Jones, Mobile Editor

August 20, 2010

1 Min Read
3G Femto a 'Key Project' for Verizon?

Verizon Wireless may be trailing AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) in the 3G femtocell stakes right now, but it may not intend for things to stay that way forever.

The Basking Ridge, N.J.-based CDMA operator is currently looking for a manager of product development of in-building networking gear. One of the "key projects" listed for this year and next is the "delivery of a business-class voice and EVDO femto."

Verizon was the first US carrier to launch a home base station with the CDMA "Network Extender" in January 2009. It hasn't yet followed up with a 3G version that can extend data coverage -- as well as voice -- indoors. (See Verizon Intros Femtocell.)

In fact, AT&T has been the only US carrier to launch a 3G femtocell so far. (See Look for AT&T's Femto 'Soft Launch' Soon.)

The emphasis on a "business-class" device in the job posting suggests that Verizon may be looking for a box that it can sell into enterprises. AT&T is also said to be working on 3G box for business users. (See AT&T on Track for Femto Launch.)

Whatever Verizon is working on, it won't talk about it yet. A spokeswoman for the company says that there's "nothing we can share, but we are a technology company so we are always looking to hire people who are well versed on all the latest developments."

— Dan Jones, Site Editor, Light Reading Mobile

About the Author(s)

Dan Jones

Mobile Editor

Dan is to hats what Will.I.Am is to ridiculous eyewear. Fedora, trilby, tam-o-shanter -- all have graced the Jones pate during his career as the go-to purveyor of mobile essentials.

But hey, Dan is so much more than 4G maps and state-of-the-art headgear. Before joining the Light Reading team in 2002 he was an award-winning cult hit on Broadway (with four 'Toni' awards, two 'Emma' gongs and a 'Brian' to his name) with his one-man show, "Dan Sings the Show Tunes."

His perfectly crafted blogs, falling under the "Jonestown" banner, have been compared to the works of Chekhov. But only by Dan.

He lives in Brooklyn with cats.

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