LAUREL, Md., March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents in the nation's capital, Verizon Wireless has completed work that increases the 3G data handling capacity at cell sites in each quadrant of the city.

Expanded 3G data capacity in the District of Columbia allows more customers using tablets, laptops or smartphones to instantly download the latest apps, music, videos or 3D games; rapidly browse the Web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes; send and receive emails in real-time as well as open and download attachments; enjoy turn-by-turn navigation; 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 at home or on-the-go," 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.

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. Using sophisticated testing equipment, Verizon Wireless' local team of network technicians conducted 66,552 voice call attempts and 373,899 data tests on the Verizon Wireless network and the networks of major competitors.  Unmarked test vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically conduct voice calls and data tests.*  Results from this internal network quality assurance test program confirm that Verizon Wireless is the 3G network quality leader in the Virginia, Maryland and DC region.

In addition to enhancing its 3G network, Verizon Wireless has deployed its 4G LTE Network in 38 major metropolitan areas and 60 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 VZWNetwork on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNetwork.

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