Verizon Wireless today introduced HomeFusion Broadband, a new service that will bring wireless LTE service into the home as a primary broadband connection for those in areas with limited options.
Customers can choose several usage-based plans, beginning at $59.99 per month for 10 GB of data, or $120 per month for 30 GB of data. A one-time equipment fee of $199.99 applies, and installation of the antenna is free.
With the Home Fusion service, Verizon’s LTE network is delivered to an antenna that transmits the signal to a broadband router inside the home. The cylinder-shaped antenna is installed at the customer’s home, and the product’s design includes multiple internal antennae allowing the device to pick up Verizon’s 4G LTE signal.
The broadband router can connect up to four wired and at least 20 wireless devices inside the home using Wi-Fi.
Fran Shammo, Verizon’s CFO, had previously commented that Verizon Wireless was looking at a device that he called a “cantenna,” which would bring a wireless LTE connection to those outside of FiOS coverage areas.
Cantenna isn’t a commercial name for the antenna, but Shammo pointed out that Verizon conducted a trial of the cantenna with DIRECTV, calling it “extremely successful.” The cantenna is essentially a fixed LTE antenna that communicates wirelessly with devices in the home.
“The benefit of this antenna is it operates the spectrum extremely efficiently,” Shammo said, according to a transcript of a third-quarter earnings call provided by SeekingAlpha. “So if you look at a MiFi card or a dongle, this is very, very efficient, way above those two devices, which is why it’s critical to have that bundle with that cantenna. So when we launch that, you’re going to see us go nationally with that type of an offer.”
HomeFusion Broadband will be available beginning later this month in Birmingham, Ala., Dallas and Nashville, Tenn., with additional markets to follow. Verizon Wireless is working with Asurion for installation of the service.
