Verizon Wireless Customers Benefit From Ongoing Investment In Western Pennsylvania Digital Network In 2010

WARRENDALE, PA — Verizon Wireless, the nation’s leading wireless company with the largest, most reliable voice and 3G data network, continues to invest in its digital network in Pennsylvania, while further enhancing the most advanced wireless services for its customers.

The company’s ongoing commitment to provide the best wireless experience was recently recognized by J. D. Power & Associates in their 2010 Wireless Call Quality Performance Study(SM), Volume 2. The study reported Verizon Wireless ranked highest among all other national wireless providers including the Mid-Atlantic Region which covers Pennsylvania. This is the 12th consecutive time Verizon Wireless ranked highest in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Verizon Wireless’ network enhancements in the first nine months of 2010 have included the expansion of voice and 3G data coverage and capacity; installation of high-tech in-building systems at numerous high-traffic or high-priority venues; and the deployment of test teams and vehicles roaming the state to ensure the most reliable and advanced 3G coverage. In addition, technicians have been making intensive preparations to launch even more advanced 4G high-speed data services in Pennsylvania, including Greater Pittsburgh, where the company will launch 4G this year.

In-building systems
Verizon Wireless completed numerous high-tech in-building systems that use dozens of small wireless transmitters – which resemble small smoke detectors – to ensure strong inside coverage. These systems were installed in high-priority public safety facilities such as police stations, emergency command centers and hospitals, as well as high-traffic wireless consumer locations.

Test teams
Verizon Wireless network technicians traveled more than 12,000 miles across the western half of the state so far this year in special vehicles to measure connection quality on the Verizon Wireless network versus other carriers. Using sophisticated testing equipment, the local test teams conducted more than 46,000 voice call attempts and almost 250,000 data tests on the Verizon Wireless network and those of major competitors to ensure network superiority.

4G LTE
Verizon Wireless technicians have been making extensive hardware and software installations and enhancements to thousands of network resources (switching facilities, cell sites, etc.) to bring the world’s first large-scale 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to Pennsylvania. The initial availability of a 4G LTE wireless network in Pittsburgh is part of the Verizon Wireless’ major network launch in 38 major metropolitan areas by the end of the year. 4G LTE will deliver significantly greater high-speed network capacity than even today’s most advanced 3G coverage.

Ongoing effort
The company’s ongoing network investment in Pennsylvania now totals nearly $1.2 billion. Nationally, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $60 billion since it was formed to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services.

For more information on the Verizon Wireless network, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 79,000 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.

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