In what could turn into an epic wireless broadband battle, Clearwire and Verizon Wireless are both positioning to dominate the airwaves of Seattle. Verizon today said that it successfully completed data calls in Seattle and Boston based on Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, a competing offering to Clearwire's WiMax.

The tests included the use of streaming video, file uploads and downloads and Web browsing over the LTE 4G Network.

Both Seattle and Boston now have 10 LTE cell sites operating on the 700 MHz spectrum, with Boston and Seattle chosen because of their geographic configurations as well as their high-tech populations. Verizon Wireless spokesman Scott Charlston said the two cities will be the first to receive full 4G service next year, though he declined to give an exact date.

“Verizon Wireless, with outstanding cooperation from our partner suppliers, is fully committed to harnessing the power of LTE over our 700 MHz spectrum," said Tony Melone, senior vice president and chief technical officer at Verizon Wireless. "This combination of state-of-the-art technology and prime spectrum will soon make a ubiquitous, highly mobile, super-fast broadband experience a reality for customers. This significant milestone in our LTE 4G network testing, exemplified by the first data calls in Boston and Seattle, further validates our early support and decision to select LTE as the standard for our next-generation wireless broadband network.”

Verizon plans to launch the 4G service in a total of 30 markets next year, making it a significant rival to Clearwire. Earlier this month, Clearwire said it is on track to unveil WiMax service in Seattle this year. It plans to be in 80 markets with its WiMax service by the end of next year.

In the past, Clearwire executives have said that there's enough room for both LTE and WiMax to exist alongside one another, though some analysts have called WiMax more of a niche offering.