Verizon Wireless (http://www.verizon.com) says it's turning on the world's first large-scale 4G LTE network on Sunday, Dec. 5. The company says its 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network will be the fastest and most advanced 4G network in America.  

Business users will be the first to take advantage of the 4G LTE network with speeds up to 10 times faster than the company's 3G network, according to Verizon President/CEO Dan Mead. With the launch, Verizon Wireless is also offering new value-priced 4G LTE Mobile Broadband data plans starting at US$50 monthly access for a 5GB monthly allowance, as well as two new 4G LTE USB modems: the LG VL600 which will be available at launch, and the Pantech UML290, available soon.  

The initial 4G LTE launch immediately reaches more than one-third of all Americans, right where they live, says Mead. He adds that Verizon plans to quickly expand 4G LTE, and by 2013 will reach the existing Verizon Wireless 3G coverage area.

The company expects 4G LTE average data rates in real-world, loaded network environments to be 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. Verizon Wireless customers can choose from two 4G LTE Mobile Broadband data plans: $50 monthly access for 5 B monthly allowance or $80 monthly access for 10 GB monthly allowance, both with $10/GB overage.  

For laptop connectivity, two 4G LTE USB modems will be initially available: the LG VL600 is available at launch and the Pantech UML290 will be available soon, each $99.99 after a $50 rebate with a new two-year agreement.  Both USB modems provide backward-compatibility with Verizon Wireless' 3G network.  If laptop users travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, they will automatically stay connected on the company's 3G network.  

As of today, customers can go to http://www.verizonwireless.com/4Glte to check if their addresses will be in the initial 4G LTE coverage area.