HILTON HEAD, S.C., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless announced today it is turning on the world's first large-scale 4G LTE (Fourth Generation, Long Term Evolution) Network in Hilton Head, S.C. on Thursday, April 21, 2011. Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network is the fastest and most advanced 4G network in America with speeds up to 10 times faster than the company's 3G network.

The deployment of Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE in Hilton Head, S.C. provides LTE coverage throughout the surrounding areas of Daufuskie Island, Moss Creek, Bluffton, Rose Hill, Buckwalter, Sun City, Jasper, and Pritchardville.

4G LTE provides wireless consumers access to services up to 10 times faster than the company's industry-leading 3G network. With this latest progression of wireless technology, the company expects average data rates in real-world, loaded network environments to be 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.

These speeds will allow for smooth mobile video-conferencing, multiple simultaneous video streams, speedy transfer of large files, downloading and running of powerful programs, and numerous other applications to improve efficiency and productivity wirelessly.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE technology also will improve coverage strength inside buildings, as it runs on a powerful 700 megahertz wireless frequency.

"Verizon Wireless is making the best network even better," said Jerry Fountain, the president of the Carolinas/Tennessee Region for Verizon Wireless. "Our initial 4G LTE launch gives customers access to the fastest and most advanced mobile network in America. We will quickly expand 4G LTE, and by 2013 we will cover the existing Verizon Wireless 3G coverage area.  The activation of our lightning fast 4G LTE network in Hilton Head is further evidence of our commitment to and investment in the residents of this area."

4G LTE Mobile Broadband Data Plans and Devices

Verizon Wireless customers can choose from two 4G LTE Mobile Broadband data plans: $50 monthly access for 5GB monthly allowance or $80 monthly access for 10GB monthly allowance, both with $10/GB overage.  For laptop connectivity, two 4G LTE USB modems are currently available: the LG VL600 and the Pantech UML290, each $99.99 after $50 rebate with a new two-year agreement.  Both USB modems provide backward-compatibility with Verizon Wireless' 3G network.  If laptop users travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, they will automatically stay connected on the company's 3G network.  

Hilton Head customers will be able to access 4G LTE services on a suite of new devices including smartphones from HTC – such as the newly launched HTC Thunderbolt – LG, Motorola and Samsung; tablets from Motorola and Samsung; a MiFi from Novatel Wireless and a mobile hotspot from Samsung; two notebooks from HP; and wireless modems from LG and Pantech.

All the 4G LTE devices are "backward compatible" and – when not in a 4G LTE coverage area –provide access to the Verizon Wireless 3G network.

Verizon Wireless' 700 MHz spectrum gives the company specific advantages with 4G, including improved in-building penetration and a contiguous, nationwide network footprint.  The company is building its 4G LTE network with the same commitment to performance and reliability for which it has long been recognized.  Verizon Wireless' laser focus on reliability is based on rigid engineering standards and a disciplined deployment approach year after year.

Visit www.verizonwireless.com for more information on Verizon Wireless 3G and 4G LTE networks, products and services.

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