Verizon Wireless has anounced its plans to work with rural companies to collaboratively build and operate a 4G network in rural areas. In order to provide access to 4G LTE network to more of the U.S. population living in rural areas, Verizon Wireless plans using the tower and backhaul assets of the rural companies.

According to the information available at Verizon Wireless website, Verizon Wireless is seeking companies that can assist in bringing the benefits of 4G LTE service to rural areas that currently lack Verizon Wireless coverage. Verizon Wireless may work with rural companies that have towers and backhaul capabilities, even if those companies are not currently wireless operators. 

Verizon Wireless is expected to launch 4G LTE network in 25 to 30 markets late in 2010, covering approximately 100 million people. Verizon Wireless also intends to double that in 2012 and has plans to cover it's entire existing 3G footprint with 4G LTE by the end of 2013.

Verizon Wireless plans to utilize it's nationwide, contiguous 700 MHz spectrum to deploy 4G LTE. This spectrum covers the entire lower 48 states and Hawaii.