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Handsets with LTE-only calling will make their way to Verizon in 2016

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Even though GSM tends to be the standard most carriers go with, Verizon and Sprint currently utilize CDMA. While Verizon’s LTE network continues to expand across the country, the days of the carrier’s CDMA handsets are already numbered, according to Verizon’s Fran Shammo.

Related: FCC tells Verizon that just because other carriers throttle, doesn’t mean it can too

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During an investor conference, Shammo revealed that Verizon will make phones available that solely rely on LTE for calls sometime in the first half of 2016. Her remarks were first reported by Engadget and coincide with Verizon’s plan to kick things off later this year with its Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service. VoLTE will enable crystal clear calls over Verizon’s network. Other carriers, including T-Mobile already offer the service.

However, this doesn’t mean Verizon will phase out CDMA overnight. Verizon will likely wait to do so until most of its handsets can handle the newer technology. It should be noted that Big Red made no announcement as to how it will shut off its CDMA network.

Verizon has been under fire in recent weeks by the FCC, stemming from its plans to throttle subscribers’ unlimited data plan speeds. Verizon tried to justify the move by saying that it would keep the network operating smoothly, but the FCC is not buying it.

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