Verizon Wireless Increases Wireless Broadband Capacity in Orange and Ulster Counties

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless announced today it has increased wireless broadband capacity on its Hudson Valley-area network. The additional capacity, added to six cell sites in Orange and Ulster Counties, will help the company stay ahead of the growing demand for wireless Internet access as more of its customers switch to smartphones and adopt wireless data services. This is in addition to the 3G capacity that was added to five local sites in 2009. Verizon Wireless launched its 3G Mobile Broadband service in the Hudson Valley in 2006.

"As wireless service evolves, more and more customers are discovering the benefits of wireless broadband connectivity," said Marquett Smith, president of Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region. "As more customers use our wireless data services, we need to increase our local network capacity to meet the growing demand and maintain our 3G network leadership."

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 $55 billion nationwide since it was formed – $5.5 billion on average every year – and invested more than $100 million in Upstate New York in 2009.

The company's "nation's most reliable wireless network" reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test 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.

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 most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with  83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (Nasdaq and LSE: 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