Verizon gives clues to iPad HD, HomeFusion intros

Verizon pushed out in front of the news Tuesday as it posted a teaser on its main page for what's likely the new iPad. Saying only that "something is coming," it asks users to sign up for general news updates to get early word. Although not mentioning LTE by name, it comes on the heels of multiple relatively reliable claims as well as a stated Verizon policy insisting on LTE whenever possible for 2012 devices.

The LTE support rumored so far is expected to be multi-carrier and work with AT&T, as well as possibly international providers. No question exists that the teaser is for an Apple product, since the carrier did the same for the iPhone 4S last fall.

In the shorter term, Verizon has started offering its first fixed LTE access. HomeFusion Broadband installs a fixed, external antenna and modem that supplies 4G to the home. Verizon is pitching it as a way to get online for rural areas and those for whom a lack of landline deployment makes it the only or best way to get a high-speed Internet link.

Everyone who gets HomeFusion also gets a home Wi-Fi router that shares the connection with four Ethernet and "at least" 20 Wi-Fi devices. Speeds are the same as on mobile devices, hovering in real conditions between 5-12Mbps downstream and 2-5Mbps upstream.

In return for the lack of mobility, caps on the service go up considerably. Access starts at $60 per month for 10GB of data, which while small next to landlines compares favorably to satellite or using typical 3G and 4G. Verizon hasn't outlined the full scope of plans, though it has hinted customer can pay more for higher caps. The rollout starts later in March in the southern US cities of Birmingham, Dallas, and Nashville, but more are expected in the future.

By Electronista Staff

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industry, gadgets, Verizon, networking, Apple, iPad, HomeFusion