Verizon is launching 4G in a bunch of cities. This network upgrading and expansion plan was announced by the company president,  Lowell McAdam, at a trade show today.  The network will use Long-Term Evolution technology (LTE), stretching across 38 markets right out the gate.  That’s a tad higher than what Verizon was planning for, putting them that much further ahead of schedule.  The Wall street Journal reports

This brings competition for Sprint’s 4G network, which has a somewhat slower roll-out schedule. Verizon is really looking to leap ahead here, getting in front of the market.  But this strategy is not void of risks. Verizon’s biggest concern would be availability and popularity of compatible devices for LTE. The president of the company seemed pretty optimistic about this. In his address he said “We are building it, and they are showing up in droves” about handset and other device manufacturers.

Today has been pretty noteworthy for Verizon, with news of the CDMA iPhone for Verizon deal. This just emphasizes Verizon’s various upcoming demnds for multiple network options.