Verizon Wireless Invests $60 Million In Its Network Across Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, AR — In the first seven months of 2011, Verizon Wireless invested more than $60 million its wireless network across Arkansas, enhancing the network’s ability to support a rapidly increasing number of users and data. The network improvements were also made in preparation for the company’s rollout of its 4G LTE network, the world’s first large-scale 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, which was first launched in Arkansas last month.

“These network enhancements help us stay ahead of the game as new customers, new products and certainly advanced technology become available to Arkansans,” said Steve Smith, president of the South Central Region for Verizon Wireless. “We’re ensuring Arkansans have the largest most reliable 3G network, and the fastest, most-advanced 4G network regardless of where they are in our state.”

The company has upgraded hardware and software across the state, strengthening the ability of its cell sites to carry more traffic and still deliver speed and reliability. These improvements enable a growing customer base to talk more, text more, browse the Web, download photos and video, and more - regardless of their location.

“Arkansans want reliability in their wireless network and that’s what Verizon delivers,” said Leo Perreault, executive director of Network for Verizon Wireless in the South Central Region. “This year we have introduced more devices to our customers – from smartphones, to tablets, to mobile hot spots – and our customers have seen how beneficial these tools can be to their personal and professional lives. But, we all know, your device is only as good as the network that supports it.”

Verizon Wireless is aggressively expanding its 4G LTE footprint across the state. The network will launch in Jonesboro and Fort Smith on Sept. 15 and has been available since Aug. 18 in the northwest region, which includes Bella Vista, Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale. The company plans to launch its 4G LTE service in more Arkansas markets, offering speeds up to 10 times faster than the existing 3G network.

Smith cited last week’s recognition by J.D. Power and Associates as evidence of Verizon Wireless’ commitment to building a superior network. In the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Wireless Network Quality Performance Study, the company is ranked highest among all national wireless providers in the Southwest Region, which includes Arkansas.

Since 2005, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $317 million in The Natural State to expand and enhance network coverage and services.

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.

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