Tucsonans will be able to enjoy the next generation of lightning-fast smartphones, mobile devices and wireless modems thanks to planned network upgrades by the nation's two largest mobile operators, although some will have to wait longer than others.
Verizon and AT&T both announced plans this week to bring their own 4G mobile networks to Tucson.
Verizon says it is bringing its 4G service to Tucson by the end of this year.
AT&T says its network will come to Tucson in 2013.
The telecommunication giants both say their 4G service, among other things, will give 4G-equipped devices download and streaming capabilities comparable to a desktop computer.
There are several definitions of what makes a 4G network, but, basically, 4G means the fourth generation of mobile networks, as opposed to the 3G - third generation - networks being used today.
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Verizon said Tuesday that its 4G network will cover the Tucson metropolitan area by the end of this year. The company recently began its 4G service in the Phoenix area.
AT&T said at the beginning of the year that it would bring its 4G network to the most populous parts of the state, including the Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff areas, and most of the border with California and Nevada.
But, with the planned acquisition of rival T-Mobile announced this week, AT&T now says it will be able to bring 4G service to much more of the state, including coverage along every interstate and most of central and southeastern Arizona.
AT&T's 4G network will start to be available in the Tucson area in 2013, said AT&T spokeswoman Erika Urling.
Consumers will need 4G-enabled devices to take advantage of the upgraded networks' capabilities. But, that doesn't mean you have to ditch your older-generation smartphones when 4G networks arrive. Both companies say 3G-enabled phones will keep working fine, they just won't be as fast as their 4G counterparts.
Sprint, which offers its own 4G service in more than 25 states, hasn't announced plans for 4G service in Arizona, said company spokesman Randy Spolter.
Verizon's 4G network will allow for speeds up to ten times faster than Verizon's existing 3G network, said company spokeswoman Jenny Weaver.
"It's all about speed, really," she said.
Contact reporter Alex Dalenberg at adalenberg@azstarnet.com or 807-8429.
