Verizon’s highly anticipated 4G LTE service, which promises speeds of 5-12Mbps down and 2-5Mbps up, is launching in 38 major metropolitan markets and over 60 airports today. Since no LTE-capable mobile phones even exist on VZW just yet, the only way to experience LTE on the move is getting 1 of 2 (soon to be 3) 4G USB modems. Unlike Sprint’s truly unlimited 4G plans, Verizon’s plans unfortunately all carry a data cap: $50 for 5GB or $80 for 10GB, with a $10/GB overage fee. Additionally Mac OS X support has been left out as of right now. It isn’t exactly the ideal situation, but if you need 4G speeds and want to go with Verizon, you don’t really have any other options.

The two 4G modems currently include LG VL600 and Pantech UML290, both of which are available at VZW starting today. Each will run you $150 after a 2 year contract, with a $50 discount if purchased online at VZW.com. If you don’t like contracts, you can purchase the modems at their full retail price of $250.

Also, rather than paying $150 and messing around with a rebate, you can pick up the LG VL600 at Wirefly for free:

Many of you might be wondering if the LTE network trumps Sprint’s / Clearwire’s WiMAX. We can help point you in the direction of people who have conducted tests and may know more information to be able to help you out:

• Verizon LTE / 4G preview with the LG VL600 modem [Engadget]
• Review of the same modem [Laptop Mag]
• Verizon LTE Blows Through Monthly Data Cap in 32 Minutes [PC Mag]
• Hands-On: Verizon Wireless LTE [Phone Scoop]
• LG VL600 LTE modem hands-on and unboxing [SlashGear]

If you want a quick verdict and want the answer rounded up: It’s super fast, at least while nobody is on it but expensive as hell. One thing is for sure though, not many customers are happy about that data cap. By the time LTE-enabled cell phones start to roll out in 2011, we expect to see more attractive price points in the plans department, especially considering Sprint’s unlimited 4G privileges are only $10 more than 3G.

So how many of you are jumping to LTE today? Do you already have it? If so, share your experience in the comments below!

Stay tuned for more news and info on the topic by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS feed.

Authors: _GadgetNews

to know more click here