Verizon's big plans for 4G next year

Verizon Wireless is keeping its foot firmly planted on the pedal when it comes to 4G LTE. Verizon has an aggressive slate of 4G products in the works for next year--including the vast majority of its smartphones.

The carrier also plans to make more 4G devices affordable, further driving adoption. That'll be key to Verizon's effort to further extend its edge over the competition. The carrier was largely racing against itself when it came to 4G LTE this year, but 2012 will be different as rivals work quickly to roll out their own next-generation networks. Verizon, for its part, isn't so concerned. Verizon still holds an intimidating lead over its competition when it comes to 4G LTE deployment. The carrier told CNET that as of December 15, the 4G LTE network would cover 200 million people, surpassing its previous target of 185 million. It will also have reached 190 markets, with Youngstown, Ohio, being the latest addition.