Residents Of New Prague, Minnesota, To Benefit From Verizon Wireless 3G Network Enhancements

NEW PRAGUE, MN — To continue to stay ahead of rising demand for wireless voice, 3G multimedia and Internet access, Verizon Wireless has expanded its local network in New Prague, Minn., by activating a new cell site.

The cell site, located near the intersection of Koeper Avenue and State Highway 19, improves coverage in the New Prague area as follows:

• North to County Road 15 and Pexa Drive;
• South to County Road 164;
• East to State Highway 19 and Lexington Avenue;
• and West to State Highway 19 and Kannebec Avenue

The new cell site provides increased wireless voice and 3G data service in the New Prague area, which empowers more Verizon Wireless customers to rely on their wireless phones for social networking, Internet browsing, downloading apps, exchanging email and text, picture and video messaging, as well as making calls.

“Minnesotans are increasingly relying on smartphones and 3G applications to manage their busy lives and stay connected at home or on-the-go,” said Seamus Hyland, president–Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. “This new cell site is part of our continual investment in our network so our customers can use their devices when, where and how they need them.”

In addition to the ongoing investment in its 3G network, Verizon Wireless has launched the world’s first large-scale 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network (including Minneapolis-Saint Paul on Dec. 10, 2010). The Verizon 4G LTE network will be available in 76 metropolitan areas by June 16, 2011, and the company will continue a phased market rollout so that by the end of 2013, the 4G LTE network will be available everywhere Verizon has its 3G network today.

Verizon Wireless 4G LTE average data rates are 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink in real-world, loaded network environments. These speeds are significantly faster than Verizon Wireless and other wireless providers’ current or promised 3G network speeds.

This new cell site is part of Verizon Wireless’ continual effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Minnesota and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $65 billion since it was formed—$6 billion on average every year—to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. Since 2001, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $714 million on improvements to its wireless network in Minnesota.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 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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