Verizon Wireless' 3G Network Ready to Burn Bright in Florida Spring Break Hot Spots

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- When droves of college students from around the country hit Florida's spring break hot spots this year, they can count on the Verizon Wireless 3G network to handle their millions of voice calls, text and picture messages, downloads and more to stay in touch with friends at the next beach party or family back home.

Verizon Wireless, which operates the nation's most reliable and largest voice and 3G data network, has invested more than $240 million in network enhancements in Florida since last year's spring break to further boost its high-speed coverage and services.

This includes integrating former Alltel network cell sites and facilities into the more advanced Verizon Wireless network across the state.  Verizon Wireless acquired Alltel last year.

Enhancements include adding new cell sites across the state, upgrading hardware and software at other cell sites and large switching facilities, installing in-building systems at numerous hotels popular with spring breakers, and making many other improvements.  In addition, real-life test men and women -- on whom the iconic Verizon Wireless spokesperson is based -- have driven thousands of miles across the state to thoroughly test the company's network in preparation for spring break and other large events.

This leading 3G data network is ideal for college students who are "power users" of advanced services such as text, picture and video messages; downloads of games, music and other applications; uploads to social media sites; Web surfing; V CAST Mobile TV and more.

"The wireless experience has progressed so much since the days of just calling home to say hello to mom," said Pam Tope, Florida region president for Verizon Wireless.  "We enjoy customers like these that keep us working especially hard to provide the biggest, best and most advanced wireless coverage and services."

Later this year, Verizon Wireless plans to launch its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless network -- which will offer higher wireless speeds and reliability than even today's most advanced 3G network -- in 25 to 30 markets nationally.  These markets have not been identified, but recent network enhancements in Florida have been made to prepare the network for the eventual rollout of 4G LTE technology.

"College students already are fans of our 3G network because it is the most reliable and the largest in the nation by far," Tope added.  "And these students and other customers are going to be extremely pleased by the dramatically more powerful 4G LTE network capabilities soon to come."

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store or go to www.verizonwireless.com.  

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with  83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (Nasdaq and LSE: 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