4G LTE Milestone Reached In Florida

TAMPA, Fla., July 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless has substantially completed the roll-out of its 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) network across Florida.

Verizon launched 4G LTE technology in Florida's major markets in December of 2010, with an ambitious objective of matching Verizon's award-winning 3G network footprint statewide by the end of 2013.  Teams of Florida Verizon engineers worked swiftly to achieve that goal six months early.

Network teams will continue to add 4G LTE sites to the company's network coverage area as needed in order to stay ahead of population growth and changing customer usage patterns. 

From 2012 to 2013, wireless data traffic carried on the Verizon network in Florida increased nearly 350 percent.  Nationally, more than 50 percent of Verizon Wireless' data traffic is now carried over the 4G LTE network, demonstrating dramatic adoption of the new technology.

"Tech-savvy Floridians recognized and demanded the advanced capabilities of 4G LTE, so we devoted great effort and resources to deliver these services across the state as soon as possible," said Frank Wise, Florida network executive director for the Verizon Wireless.  "The effort has paid off with reliable service to our customers and a dramatic advantage over our competitors."

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE wireless network, now serving 500 major markets and 298 million Americans.

High-speed 4G LTE enhances customer experiences in sending e-mails, text and picture messages, connecting to the internet and accessing tens of thousands of applications, games, video, music and other features from their phone, tablet or other wireless device.

The rapid expansion of 4G LTE technology in Florida is part of an overall network investment of more than $2 billion since the company was formed in 2000.  In 2012, Verizon spent more than $240 million on network enhancements across the state.

"We'll continue to work and invest heavily to provide strong coverage and the latest technologies for Floridians," Wise said.  "Customers can count on advanced Verizon service and network reliability.  It is the essence of our brand."

For more information on 4G LTE technology, visit a local Verizon Wireless store or go to www.verizonwireless.com/lte. 

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 98.9 million retail customers, including 93.2 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 73,000 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.  For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://news.verizonwireless.com or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews. 

SOURCE Verizon Wireless