After some delays, Verizon Wireless' third-generation Express Network apparently is set to launch. A source close to the No. 1 U.S. carrier tells news@2direct that Verizon Wireless' CDMA2000 1x Express Network could begin commercial rollout 'as early as next week.' Previously, Verizon Wireless President and co-CEO Ivan Seidenberg indicated Express Network would launch during the first quarter. 

Verizon Wireless officials originally planned to have Express Network services available commercially at the end of the fourth quarter of 2001. The company blamed a lack of devices capable of taking advantage of the network as a main reason for the delay. 

The news highlights a 'multimillion dollar deal' between Verizon Wireless and CommWorks also announced today. Under the contract, Verizon Wireless will use CommWorks' Simple IP services to speed up the movement of wireless data on the new network. The technology will give the carrier's 3G users a more rich mobile Internet experience, while giving Verizon more leverage to offer applications that generate revenue, the companies say. 

CommWorks is a 3Com company, and counts several top CDMA carriers as its clients, including Korea's SK Telecom, Japan's KDDI, Canada's Telus Mobility and Sprint PCS.

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