Verizon Wireless Celebrates Parkersburg, W.Va. As Company's 500th 4G LTE Market

PARKERSBURG, W.Va., June 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Verizon Wireless announced that Parkersburg, W.Va. is the 500^th market to launch the company's 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution), the nation's largest 4G LTE network.

"This is great news, and a win-win for West Virginia," said Senator Jay Rockefeller. "Building our technology infrastructure and making certain every corner of our state has dependable, advanced wireless service remains one of my top priorities. As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, I have tried to spur wireless investment in West Virginia and promote greater technology deployments on all fronts. Verizon's expanded service in Parkersburg will create exciting new opportunities for the area, particularly for local businesses and schools. I want to commend Verizon for its commitment to expanding 4G LTE service in West Virginia, now in 19 markets in the state, since it first launched LTE here just two and a half years ago."

"West Virginia is making real advancements when it comes to connectivity and Verizon Wireless has played an integral role in helping to expand our state's access to high quality, high speed wireless Internet access," Senator Joe Manchin said. "Whether as West Virginia's Governor or as a U.S. Senator, I have strongly encouraged investments in technology. Access to technology and the ability to use smartphones and tablets seamlessly in everyday life, whether it's work or play or education or healthcare or business is critical to the future of our state, the lives of our citizens, and our economic growth. It's important to look to the needs of our state's future, and Verizon Wireless has helped us do just that."

By crossing the 500^th market threshold, Verizon's initial 4G LTE build-out is now substantially complete. Now available to more than 95 percent of the population, Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network now covers more than 298 million people in the U.S. and more than 99 percent of the company's 3G network footprint.  

"Advancements in technology access are to be celebrated," said West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. "Congratulations to Verizon Wireless for reaching this important milestone."

"Verizon's commitment to the state of West Virginia is important to our local economy and the quality of life for all West Virginians," said United States Representative David B. McKinley. "With Parkersburg now the 500^th market for Verizon's LTE service, thousands of West Virginians will now enjoy the same access to clear communications with families, friends, and colleagues, as well as high-speed downloads and Internet on their phones, just as so many do throughout the nation in urban areas."

To celebrate the designation of Parkersburg as the 500^th market to experience Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE technology, Verizon Wireless officials gathered at Parkersburg's historic Blennerhassett Hotel to discuss the significance of this milestone and what 4G LTE means to Parkersburg residents.  During the event, Verizon also presented five domestic violence organizations with $10,000 each in grants made available through the company's award-winning HopeLine® program. These organizations included the Parkersburg Family Crisis Intervention Center, an organization that provides services and shelter for victims of domestic violence.  The following organizations from across the state and nearby Marietta, Ohio, also received donations: 

• Eve Inc. Safe House, from Marietta, Ohio;
• West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence;
• YWCA Resolve, from Charleston, W.Va., and;
• Branches, from Huntington, W.Va.

Earlier this week, Verizon hosted a citywide scavenger hunt that gave Parkersburg residents a chance to win one of 10 brand new 4G LTE smartphones or tablets. Verizon hid 100 pins in secret locations around town. Residents joined the scavenger hunt by texting 4GLTE to 49640 for full details and up-to-the-minute clues that led them to the locations of the pins. Those who found a pin brought it to today's event where they were entered into a raffle for the chance to win one of 10 4G LTE smartphones or tablets.

More about 4G LTE
Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network is changing the way people and businesses communicate and innovate, enabling them to wirelessly connect more and more with new solutions in healthcare, entertainment, education and more – enhancing their lives in every way.

In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside of 4G LTE coverage areas, devices automatically connect to the Verizon Wireless 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast.

For additional details on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network visit http://verizonwireless.com/lte. To see how the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is impacting customers and businesses across the country, visit the Verizon Wireless News Center.

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About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 98.9 million retail customers, including 93.2 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 73,000 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.  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://news.verizonwireless.com or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews. 

SOURCE Verizon Wireless