Verizon Wireless Blankets North Carolina with 4G LTE In 2011, Plans More 4G LTE Improvements in 2012

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless announced today it invested over $290 million in 2011 to improve and expand access to its wireless broadband and voice service in North Carolina. The company, which operates the fastest and most reliable 4G network in America, expanded its 4G LTE network last year to Asheville, Durham, Fayetteville, Greensboro, High Point, Lumberton, Raleigh, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem. Charlotte was one of the first markets in the world to gain 4G LTE, which Verizon launched in the city in December 2010. Verizon Wireless projects it will cover the entire state with the advanced wireless technology by 2013.

"We were the first company to bring 4G LTE to this state, and today Verizon covers 60 percent of North Carolina's population with our 4G LTE network," said Jerry Fountain, president of the Verizon Wireless Carolinas/Tennessee region. "We have more 4G LTE markets planned for 2012 that will benefit North Carolina residents, businesses and schools who rely on high-speed wireless communications to stay connected and conduct business on the go."

Over 95 percent of the North Carolina population and 38,531 square miles of the state are now covered by the wireless company's 3G voice and data network. Pairing past investment with a commitment to ongoing network enhancements, the company is positioned to stay ahead of customer growth and maintain the industry's most advanced and reliable 3G network. Additionally, more than 60 percent of the population is now covered by Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network. These technology enhancements bring the company's cumulative statewide network investment to more than $1.5 billion since 2000. 

In addition to investing in technological advancement, Verizon Wireless also invests significantly in the people of North Carolina, employing more than 3,000 employees statewide with competitive salaries, benefits and career development opportunities. The company operates 63 retail store locations, as well as customer call centers in Charlotte and Wilmington.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or visit www.verizonwireless.com.  For more details about Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network, visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 108.7 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 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