Verizon To Launch 4G LTE Service in Philadelphia Metro Area by Year End

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon announced today that it is bringing the world's first large-scale 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to the Philadelphia area. The initial availability of a 4G LTE wireless network here is part of the company's major network launch in 38 major metropolitan areas by end of year. In addition, the company will launch 4G LTE in more than 60 commercial airports coast to coast – both the airports within the launch areas, including Philadelphia International, plus airports in other key cities.

"The future of wireless technology is here for business and consumer wireless customers alike and we are very excited that the Philadelphia area will be one of the first markets included in this initial network launch," said Mario Turco, Philadelphia Tri-State Region president for Verizon Wireless. "Today's announcement marks the beginning of a new era for Verizon Wireless customers. Whether you are a consumer or work for a small business or large company, our 4G LTE network will enable you to do more, faster with the mobility, reliability, security, speed and bandwidth you need."

Verizon Wireless is building its 4G LTE network with the same commitment to performance and reliability for which it has long been recognized.  

Verizon Wireless' laser focus on reliability is based on rigid engineering standards and a disciplined deployment approach year after year.

Enterprise users, businesses and individuals can immediately benefit from Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network this year. While Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network promises much more than speed, the first application gives employees the ability to work at significantly faster speeds and improved latency, increasing productivity and the opportunity to get work done where their business takes them.  

Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE rollout positions the company to be the global leader in 4G LTE deployment.  Verizon Wireless expects 4G LTE average data rates to be 5-12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2-5 Mbps on the uplink in real-world, loaded network environments.  These speeds are significantly faster than Verizon Wireless and other wireless providers' current or promised 3G network speeds.  

By leveraging its 700 MHz spectrum for LTE deployment in the United States, Verizon Wireless is capable of quickly deploying a high-quality wireless broadband network with excellent coverage.  The company is currently installing LTE equipment at existing cell sites and switching centers around the United States as part of its extensive, ongoing investment in its voice and data network infrastructure.  

From the CTIA Enterprise & Applications conference in San Francisco, Lowell McAdam, president and chief operating officer of Verizon, today discussed the initial national launch and highlighted metropolitan areas that would first get the 4G LTE wireless network, including:

• Large sections of the Northeast corridor, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC, as well as Rochester, NY
• Throughout Miami and south Florida, Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth
• Chicagoland, St. Louis, the Twin Cities, Pittsburgh, and major cities in Ohio
• Major population centers in California, as well as Seattle, Phoenix, Denver and Las Vegas

Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for more information about Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network.  

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 92 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 79,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, Nasdaq: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless