Verizon Wireless Completes More Than $100 Million in Upstate New York Network Enhancements in 2009

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless today announced the completion of more than $100 million in network enhancements throughout Upstate New York for the ninth consecutive year. This investment brings Verizon Wireless' total network investment in Upstate New York to more than $1.2 billion since 2000 – significantly more than any other wireless company. The regional investment is part of more than $50 billion invested nationwide since the company was formed.

The company activated 81 new cell sites across the region, including 18 sites in the Adirondacks area. Verizon Wireless also added more 3G high speed wireless broadband network data capacity to more than 180 cell sites, and has begun building the underlying infrastructure that will enable it to become the first wireless company to offer commercial fourth-generation (4G) service in the United States, starting in 2010.

"We continue to make significant investments in our Upstate New York network to stay ahead of growing demand and ensure our customers have an even better wireless experience tomorrow than they had today," said Marquett Smith, president of the company's Upstate New York Region.  

"Providing an outstanding customer experience starts with the network and customers continue to choose Verizon Wireless because they know their wireless device is only as reliable as the network it's on," said Gene Fassett, executive director of Network for Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region.  "Our 3G data network is the largest and most reliable in the United States and we expect to commercially launch our Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G network in up to 30 markets nationwide later this year."

In addition to the new cell sites, the company continues to add network capacity to meet increased local demand, expand MobileBroadband – its high-speed wireless broadband network – across the region, and activate new sites along the 50-mile Northway Corridor on Interstate 87 between Albany and Plattsburgh.

• Expanded MobileBroadband coverage – As more customers choose smartphones and other wireless data devices, network quality and reliability become even more important. Ninety-six percent of the Upstate New York population and 75% of the region's geographical area are now covered by third generation EV-DO technology.
• Bringing coverage to the Northway – In 2007, Verizon Wireless unveiled its plan to bring wireless service to the Northway Corridor within the Adirondack Park by building 13 new cell sites in six communities. Six sites are currently in service and the remaining cell sites are in process and applications for each will be submitted upon completion.
• Improving network redundancy – In addition to building new sites and expanding its network coverage and capacity, the company also continues to invest in redundancy capabilities designed to keep the network operating during power outages and in its rigorous quality assurance program – daily testing designed to analyze network reliability and assist the company in targeting improvements.

Verizon Wireless' investment in the Upstate New York region reflects its commitment to offer customers the most reliable wireless service available.  The company's 'nation's most reliable wireless network' reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country who inspired the national advertising campaign.  

These engineers drive 90 specially equipped vehicles almost 1 million miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets. Test vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 3 million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2-JOIN-IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.   

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving 89 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with  85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (Nasdaq and LSE: 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