From Bowls to Bears, Verizon Wireless' 3G Network Gets Better Every Day

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The biggest sporting event of the year, a rare moment in natural history, expanded coverage in mountain states – Verizon Wireless' ongoing enhancements to the nation's largest and most reliable 3G wireless network continue to touch customers and bring key moments to life.

Football fans, nature lovers, skiers and snowboarders rejoice. Last week alone, Verizon Wireless enhanced its 3G network across the country, from the site of the big game in Texas to snow country in the Rockies.

For starters, Verizon Wireless network technicians in Dallas, Texas have been preparing to ensure peak performance for the upcoming football championship game.  In anticipation of higher voice calling and data use volumes around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Verizon Wireless network teams have enhanced coverage in and around the stadium, at related venues, as well as all thoroughfares leading to and from these locations.

In Utah and Idaho, new Verizon Wireless cell sites enhance coverage in Salt Lake City and Ketchum, gateways to some of the northern Rockies' most popular winter resorts, making wireless calling, text messaging and surfing the Web on the Verizon Wireless high-speed 3G network fast and easy.

In addition, the strength and reliability of Verizon Wireless' 3G network allowed a worldwide audience to watch live video of Lily the Bear as she prepared to give birth in Minnesota.  Verizon Wireless provided a PC card and unlimited data service to connect a variety of highly developed equipment that are being used to monitor the bear, including high-tech cameras, back-up power techniques, unique deep cycle batteries, and much more.

Verizon Wireless' network enhancements are part of the company's aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for voice and data services.  Verizon Wireless has invested more than $65 billion in its nationwide network since it was formed – $6 billion on average every year.

More Information Available

• Follow VZWNetwork on Twitter for ongoing network updates, enhancements and information.
• See video footage of Verizon Wireless' year-round network preparations across the country on YouTube and in the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library.
• Find additional network announcements in the Verizon Wireless News Center.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 94 million customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 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