Verizon 4G Service Comes to Reading

Verizon customers in Reading can now access faster wireless data speeds on their laptops over the Verizon network, but may have to wait until next summer to enjoy the same speeds on their smart phones.

The company announced earlier this week that it would launch its 4G network in 38 metropolitan areas on Dec. 5, including the Boston metro area, which covers Reading.

"Verizon Wireless' Metro Boston 4G LTE network will extend approximately as far West as Framingham, as far North as Lawrence and as far South as Brockton. Customers in the Metro Boston area will benefit from the speed, increased productivity and advanced applications that 4G LTE," said Michael Murphy, Verizon Wireless spokesperson.

The company will also roll out this network at 60 major airports nationwide, though that list does not include Boston's Logan Airport.

The company announced in a press release that its new 4G network boasts speeds as much as ten times faster than the company's current 3G network—though that speed comes with a price.

Customers wishing to access 4G speeds on their laptop will have to purchase a $150 modem to connect to their computer, and the release said that Verizon will initially offer two data plans—one for $50 per month and one for $80 per month. Those plans will cap access at five and 10 gigabytes per month, respectively, and charge the customer $10 for each extra gigabyte used.

The service will initially be available to laptop users, the company said, and new 4G mobile phones will become available in mid 2011.

Verizon Wireless, based in New Jersey, serves more than 93 million customers and employs 79,000 nationwide.