Lowcountry to get Verizon's 4G this week

Verizon Wireless will launch a data access network Thursday in the Charleston market that's 10 times faster than its current 3G offering, according to company officials.

The new 4G Long Term Evolution network will allow movies to be downloaded in minutes instead of hours and songs in seconds instead of minutes as well as live streaming television and real-time video conferences, Verizon spokeswoman Karen Schulz said.

"You can do a lot of things on it that you couldn't do on 3G," Schulz said. "It opens up the possibilities of what people can do on their technology."

By "technology," Schulz isn't just referring to smart phones, but laptops, iPads and other tablets as well. "Anything that accesses the Internet," she said.

Regardless of what Wi-Fi-carrying device people have, Schulz said that anyone with 3G must upgrade to 4G to get the new network.

"We currently have a dozen devices, available in stores and online, that will work on the 4G LTE network," she said.

When customers travel outside of a 4G coverage area, their devices will automatically switch to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, Schulz said.

All devices are different, so the price range is going to be wide. "It can be $50 to $500, depending on the device you're using," Schulz added.

The Midlands, Upstate and Hilton Head received the upgraded network a few months ago. Charleston is receiving it now because of infrastructure upgrades and logistics.

"There are hundreds of variables to consider when launching a new network in a community," Schulz said. "We have to set running fiber, hardware and software."

Myrtle Beach is set to be upgraded as well, but no date has been set.

Verizon was trying out the signal Monday, and some customers may have noticed it on their devices, but it might disappear today before being fully launched Thursday, Schulz said.

Verizon expects to have 4G coverage for its entire 3G footprint by late 2013.

Verizon beefing up service locally

The 4G network will be available in these local areas starting Thursday:

Charleston

Folly Beach

Goose Creek

Hanahan

Isle of Palms

Kiawah Island

Ladson

Lincolnville

Mount Pleasant

North Charleston

Riverland Terrace

Seabrook Island

Sullivan's Island

Summerville

West Ashley

Customers can visit Verizon Wireless stores Thursday through Sunday to try their Wi-Fi-enabled device on the new network. After Sunday, people can try the network on Verizon devices.

Reach Derek Legette at 937-5519.