Verizon Wireless has launched the world’s first large-scale 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network, reaching more than a third of all Americans, according to the company. Also, Verizon says that the 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network will be the fastest and most advanced 4G network in the U.S., with speed up to 10 times faster than the company’s 3G network. The company plans to expand the new network to reach its existing 3G coverage area by 2013 as well.

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4G LTE Mobile Broadband data plans start at $50 monthly access for a 5-Gbyte monthly allowance, with $80 monthly access for a 10-Gbyte monthly allowance, both with a $10/Gbyte overage. The LG VL600, now available, and the Pantech UML290, available soon, will cost $99.99 after a $50 rebate with a new two-year agreement. Both 4G LTE USB modems provide backward-compatibility with the Verizon Wireless 3G network.

The LG VL600 provides high-speed 4G Internet connectivity to the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network.

Verizon expects 4G LTE average data rates in real-world, loaded network environments to be 5 to 12 Mbits/s on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbits/s on the uplink. The network’s launch includes 38 major metropolitan areas and more than 60 commercial airports coast to coast. Street-level coverage area maps are available at www.verizonwireless.com/4Glte. The company expects consumer-oriented handsets to be available by the middle of 2011.

Verizon Wireless