In an interview Verizon chief stated that wireless companies have to upgrade to next generation wireless technology to cope up with increasing load of internet usage, that too in few years.

Chief Technology Officer Dick Lynch said that current unlimited internet access monthly packages are not being used optimally as only few of the customers exchange heavy data or files through internet

He added that flat monthly packages will have to be replaced by charges based on metered usage just similar to water and electricity bills which will reduce the overuse of wireless networks.

Apple's iPhone and smart phones by other companies triggered the demand of data services in 2007 forcing wireless phone companies to introduce flat-rate plans.

Mr Lynch said that metered billing will reduce the bills of non potential customers as they have to pay only for what they have used.

Time Warner Cable had already proposed an offer of 5GB of downloads for about $30 per month with excess usage charges of $1 per 1GB. Customers' wails had forced the company to abandon this plan.

Verizon and AT&T both have opted for standard known as LTE, or Long Term Evolution, and may roll out this service in this year. Wireless companies have to upgrade to so-called fourth generation of technology to meet the rising demand.

Verizon is currently providing a download speed of 1Mbps which is much faster than DSL landline service. LTE will increase this speed to 5 to 12 Mbps.