Verizon Wireless Increases 3G Data Capacity in Binghamton Area

BINGHAMTON, N.Y., July 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Even as it rolls out 4G LTE technology across Upstate New York and the rest of the country, Verizon Wireless continues to invest in its local 3G network. The company announced today it has significantly increased 3G wireless broadband capacity on its Binghamton-area network. The additional capacity, added to 18 local cell sites since the beginning of the year, helps the company stay ahead of the growing demand for wireless data spurred by the rapid adoption of tablet devices, smartphones, personal wireless hotspots, and other 3G data devices. The company added 3G capacity to more than 650 cell sites across Upstate New York in the first half of the year.

"As wireless service evolves, for the first time, our customers are using their devices more for data services than for voice calls," said Russ Preite, president of Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region. "As that trend continues, we need to increase our local network capacity to meet the increased demand. We're committed to enhancing and maintaining our 3G network superiority for years to come, even as we deploy 4G LTE technology across the country."

This network expansion 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. The company has invested more than $65 billion nationwide since it was formed – $6 billion on average every year – and invested more than $125 million in Upstate New York in 2010.

In addition to ongoing investment in its 3G network, Verizon Wireless recently began rolling out its 4G LTE network nationwide. As of July 21, 4G LTE is available in 102 metro markets, including Rochester and the New York City area. The company recently announced it will launch 4G LTE in Albany, Syracuse and Ithaca later this year. Full nationwide 4G LTE deployment is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2013.

"We've always believed even the most advanced device is only as good as the network it runs on. We continue to aggressively invest in our Upstate New York network to increase coverage and capacity for our customers, add new services like 4G LTE, and maintain our existing 3G network leadership," said Gene Fassett, executive director of Network for Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region.

Verizon Wireless recently earned recognition from J.D. Power and Associates for "Highest Call Quality Performance among Wireless Cell Phone Users in the Northeast."

Verizon Wireless' high-speed wireless broadband service, MobileBroadband, is available across its Upstate New York footprint. In 4G LTE coverage areas, it provides average speeds of 5-12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2-5 Mbps on the uplink in real-world, loaded network environments. In 3G coverage areas, it provides average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 Mbps, and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps.  

Strong demand for Verizon Wireless' services continued during the second quarter of 2011 as the company added more than 1.3 million net new customers.  

The company's "nation's most reliable wireless network" reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and women throughout the country. These engineers drive nearly 100 specially equipped vehicles more than 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. Check out our video of Western New York Test Man, Jack Brandes.

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 fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 106.3 million total wireless connections, including 89.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 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