Verizon (NYSE:VZ), QUALCOMM (Nasdaq:QCOM), RF Micro (Nasdaq:RFMD), Motorola (NYSE:MOT), Ericsson (Nasdaq:ERIC) Tops Gleacher's Smartphone Picks

Gleacher is wowed by their new Verizon's (NYSE:VZ) new 4G LTE data card, which they updated from the prior VZ EV-DO data card. They reiterated Verizon as their top choice in the smartphone sector, and also like QUALCOMM (Nasdaq:QCOM), RF Micro (Nasdaq:RFMD), Motorola (NYSE:MOT) and Ericsson (Nasdaq:ERIC).

Gleacher said, "We upgraded our VZ EV-DO data card to Verizon's (NYSE: VZ) 4G LTE data card last week and ran field tests in the San Francisco Bay area. Verdict: WOW! Although our study was not scientific, we stand by our call that VZ's LTE network at 700MHz is a game changer and the industry will need to respond.

"We see dramatically better data performance on the VZ network and look for a competitive response from other US players and a move to international. We look forward to LTE smartphones from VZ by mid-2011. This supports our positive smartphone call with top picks QUALCOMM, RF Micro, Motorola and Ericsson.

"VZ's LTE network marks the first large-scale 4G LTE launch, and we believe this is the beginning of an important new phase for the entire industry. We are truly encouraged by early results this soon following the launch (remember the headaches of 3G?). We view the success as a long-term positive for the entire industry, with implications for all of the major participants. We note that data-cards are just the beginning. We believe smart phones and tablets that can harness the increased bandwidth will begin to ramp by mid-2011."

Verizon closed Monday at $34.11, up $0.07, or 0.21 percent.