Verizon Wireless Enhances 3G Network Coverage Inside Maryland State House in Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, Md., June 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Open to the public 364 days a year, the Maryland State House welcomes thousands of visitors every day.  To provide its customers with the best network experience while inside the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use, Verizon Wireless has completed work to expand network capacity and provide enhanced in-building coverage inside the State House where the Maryland General Assembly meets.  The improvements provide increased wireless voice and 3G data capacity enabling customers using tablets, laptops or smartphones to rapidly browse the Web; send and receive emails; open and download attachments; instantly download the latest apps; and more.

The increased coverage is part of the company's aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless' voice and data services.  Last year alone, the company spent $347 million on regional network improvements, bringing total network investment in the region since 2000 to more than $2.6 billion.

"More and more people rely on smartphones and 3G apps to manage their busy lives and stay connected where their work or travel may take them," said Mike Maiorana, Verizon Wireless regional president.  "We're committed to continuously improving our network to provide our customers with the 3G advantage, coverage and speed they want and need."

Verizon Wireless has the nation's largest and most reliable 3G broadband network which makes advanced services like turn-by-turn navigation, over-the-air downloads of the latest applications, text/picture messaging, video and music downloads, web browsing and 3D gaming possible.  Mobile Broadband customers in enhanced broadband wireless coverage areas can expect average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps. Customer demand for these advanced services continues to grow.

In addition to enhancing its 3G network, Verizon Wireless has deployed its 4G LTE Network in 74 metropolitan areas and 76 commercial airports coast to coast covering one-third of all Americans.  During 2011, the company will continue to expand its 4G footprint to include more than 175 markets by year-end.  Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE wireless network is the fastest and most advanced 4G network in America and offers speeds up to 10 times faster than the current 3G network.  

Stay in the know about Verizon Wireless news in MD/DC/VA by following @VZWPRDC on Twitter.  For the latest network-related news, information and upgrades, follow @VZWMelanie on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNetwork.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 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