Verizon Wireless says real-world tests of its LTE network in Boston and Seattle report LTE average data rates of 5 to 12 Mbps on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. The carrier is touting its LTE network’s performance as “comparable to customers’ current, typical online Internet experience.”

Verizon has been testing its LTE network in Boston and Seattle since August 2009. The network is capable of peak download speeds of 40 to 50 bps and peak upload speeds of 20 to 25 Mbps. The operator also has held successful trials involving streaming video, file uploads and downloads, Web browsing and VoIP calls.

The company plans to deploy its LTE network in 25 to 30 markets covering about 100 million people by the end of this year. It will be the country’s first deployment of LTE and the second deployment of fourth-generation network technology after Clearwire.

Clearwire’s 4G WiMAX network currently covers 34 million people in 27 U.S. markets. The company plans to expand its network to cover 120 million people by the end of this year. Clearwire reports its mobile WiMAX network provides average speeds of 3 to 6 Mbps on the downlink with bursts of over 10 Mbps.