Verizon appears to be preparing to play catchup with AT&T in the 3G femtocell game
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)
You May Also Like