VZ to sell 4G Devices in Mid-2011 - Analyst Blog

Verizon Wireless, a joint venture between Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) and Vodafone Group plc (VOD), expects to unveil ten devices by mid-2011 to support its fourth generation (4G) network. The company plans to launch four smartphones, two tablet computers, two notebooks and two additional 4G devices.

The company ties with Google Inc. (GOOG), which makes the popular Android software for mobile devices, and handset makers like Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc., LG Electronics Inc., HTC Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co. in order to launch the handsets. Samsung and Motorola are expected to provide tablets and Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ) with notebooks.

In the wireless business, Verizon continues to be the market leader in providing wireless voice and data communication services in the U.S. While Verizon continues to extend its nationwide coverage with third-generation or 3G wireless technology, the company is also investing heavily in more advanced 4G infrastructure.

The company started deploying its high-speed Long-Term Evolution or LTE network at the end of 2010 with average download speed more than five-times faster than the company's 3G network. It currently covers approximately 39 markets with around 110 million people. Verizon expects 4G LTE network to cover virtually its entire nationwide 3G footprint by the end of 2013. However, Verizon does not have any handset that can support these LTE services at present.

We believe Verizon will be able to compete easily with Sprint Nextel Corp. (S) by offering the new handsets and devices that supports 4G network. Sprint, the third-largest wireless operator, was the first to launch handsets on its nationwide 4G service in 2010. Sprint provides its 4G network in 71 U.S. markets and covers approximately 120 million people. Verizon's largest competitor AT&T Inc. (T) expects to roll out its 4G services in mid-2011 and intends to launch 20 smartphones this year.

Further, Verizon is expected to sale Apple Inc.'s (AAPL) iPhone this year, resulting AT&T to lose its exclusive hold on the iPhone. Additionally, as part of its 4G LTE network deployment plans, Verizon is making efforts to work with rural companies to collaboratively build and operate a 4G network in those areas, using Verizon Wireless' 700MHz spectrum.

We expect increased penetration of smartphone and other integrated devices to boost data revenue. The launch of 4G devices and the expected sale ofiPhone enhance the company's growth prospects going forward. However,the 4G infrastructure may also be an obstacle if other service providers shift to different generation technologies.

Consequently, we are currently maintaining our long-term Neutral rating on the stock with a Zacks Rank # 3 (Hold) Rank.

 
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