Largest and Most Reliable 3G Network Just Got Better in Georgia

ALPHARETTA, Ga., April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- In its ongoing effort to provide the best wireless service, Verizon Wireless announced today that it invested more than $42 million in the first three months of 2010 to enhance its network in Georgia. Verizon Wireless, which employs over 4,000 people in the state, added capacity to its network in over 75 Georgia cities and towns. The company's continued investments ensure that Georgia's customers have not only the coverage needed to stay connected wherever they go in the state but the capacity for their growing data needs.  

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $55 billion nationally since it was formed – $5.5 billion on average every year – to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. Since 2003, the company has invested over $1 billion in Georgia.

"We strive to never have network capacity issues. Network reliability is the number one reason customers choose and stay with Verizon Wireless and the fact that we've won numerous industry awards and third party accolades supports that fact. We are committed to investing our resources to ensure our customers have the best wireless experience," said Jeff Mango, president, Georgia/Alabama Region for Verizon Wireless.

Faster Coverage

The Verizon Wireless network was upgraded and enhanced during the early part of 2010 in the metro Atlanta areas of downtown, Vinings and Buckhead and around the following Georgia towns:

New Cell Towers and Continued Integration

In the first three months of this year, the company completed the integration of the Verizon Wireless and legacy Alltel networks in the Augusta area. With this work complete, Verizon Wireless and former Alltel customers now have greater capacity and an expanded area of coverage. The integrated network, which increased by more than 30 cell sites for both Verizon Wireless and Alltel legacy networks, delivers 100% 3G wireless broadband coverage to 99% of the greater Augusta area's population.

In addition, a new cell tower was added to expand coverage for the residential, retail and recreational areas of Jekyll Island, including the Convention Center, the Jekyll Island Resort Hotel and golf course. New cell towers were also added in the cities of Acworth, Woodstock and Buford and south of Tifton along I-75 to enhance and expand coverage.

"A superior and reliable wireless network is no longer measured by new cell towers alone  . . . if a company is focused on putting up hundreds of new towers, they are years behind Verizon Wireless," said Mango. "While we will continue to expand and add coverage to ensure our customers can stay connected, our investment is also focused on adding power and capacity to our existing statewide 3G network. Customers know that the most advanced device is only as good as the network it runs on and we work everyday to make sure they can connect wherever and whenever they need, no matter what device they are using."

Trusted Wireless Connectivity

Currently, 99 percent of the state's population is covered by Verizon Wireless' 3G network, providing customers with the ability to browse the Web faster for quick page-loading times, quick downloads for music and 3D games, streaming video, e-mails with attachments, video conferencing with contacts, rapidly sharing files and quick access to VZ Navigator – a location-based service offering maps, audible driving directions, traffic updates, gas station locations and pricing.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving nearly 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with  81,000 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