Verizon last week launched their EVDO (The Evolution Data Only) wireless network in two initial markets, Washington DC and San Diego. Analysts are so far welcoming the entry after a stuttered release of 3G networks that have delivered 2.5G speeds. Not many predict the network will be a serious competitor for wireless LAN (though they are different), though all of them will be watching Verizon's launch carefully. Monet Networks’ EV-DO launch in Duluth, Minnesota is the only other U.S. deployment of the technology to date.

At a price of $79.99 per month, users that are in range of Verizon's cellular service will see speeds of "20-40 times faster than a typical 56k dial-up connection". While EVDO has a maximum data rate of 2.4Mbps, users will only witness those speeds "in bursts" and will more commonly see speeds of 300-500Kbps, according to a company representative. The $79.99 monthly fee is for unlimited use. When users roam out of the EVDO coverage area, customers can still utilize Verizon's CDMA2000 1x service, which offers speeds more typically between 70-80Kbps (though often less).

RBC Capital Markets has apparently tested the new service in 20 locations throughout San Diego, and has found the speeds to be as advertised; the tests indicating a downstream average of 329kbps. No mention is made of the network's upstream performance; something many consumers are most concerned with.