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Verizon Wireless revealed Monday at CTIA 2003 in New Orleans that it will launch third-generation, or 3G, wireless networks in two markets, as well as nationwide Wi-Fi access, in the fall.

The 3G networks, based on 1xEV-DO technology, will be rolled out in Washington, D.C., and San Diego. Trials in both markets have already been completed.

The networks will give users speeds up to 2.4 megabits per second, with average speeds ranging from 300 kbps to 1 mbps, much faster than Verizon Wireless's existing 2.5G 1xRTT Express Network, which offers maximum speeds of 144 kbps.

Wayport's Wi-Fi

Verizon Wireless also plans to complement its wireless 2.5G and 3G networks with Wi-Fi access by partnering with Wayport, an operator of Wi-Fi hotspots across the United States.

Currently, users wanting to travel between high-speed cellular data networks and Wi-Fi hotspots would require separate modems for each network, says Verizon Wireless spokesperson Andrea Linsky.

But, she adds, Verizon Wireless is working with vendors to manufacture modems that would support both types of networks.

Verizon Wireless will reveal its 3G and Wi-Fi pricing plans closer to the services' launch dates. The company is not revealing 3G rollout plans for any other markets at this time, Linsky says.

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