Verizon Readies Resources to Support North Carolina Residents During 2014 Hurricane Season

WILMINGTON, N.C., June 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless has prepared its North Carolina network and emergency response teams to serve customers in the event of major storms this hurricane season. Year-round intensive investments and preparations ensure Verizon customers can rely on the nation's largest wireless network to keep them connected during severe weather and throughout the year.

The company recently announced the expansion of its newest technology – known as XLTE – to more North Carolina locations to boost 4G LTE network capacity and enhance high-speed services for customers. XLTE utilizes Verizon's AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) spectrum, which allows Verizon to deliver significantly increased capacity – at a minimum, doubling the capacity – over its high-speed 4G LTE network. This means more customers in high-traffic locations can access the company's most advanced technology at the same time during times of peak usage, a key feature of reliability during hurricane season.

"During severe weather or an emergency, we want our customers and communities to feel confident in our network's coverage and strength," said Jerry Fountain, Verizon Wireless Carolinas/Tennessee region president. "Our XLTE technology continues to deliver on that promise, and as always, we have been readying our behind-the-scenes emergency response plans to keep our customers connected when unexpected emergencies arise."

Verizon Wireless' ongoing investments and preparations include several proactive initiatives:

• Constructing new cell sites with on-site back-up power.
• Arranging Cells on Wheels (COWS), Cells on Light Trucks (COLTS), and generators on trailers (GOaTS) – including new vehicles equipped with XLTE – for immediate deployment to hard-hit locations or areas that need extra network capacity.
• Prearranging fuel delivery to mobile units and generators to keep the network operating at full strength even if power is lost.
• Ensuring residents of impacted areas can reach loved ones and start personal recovery by readying mobile stores and charging stations for deployment, as well as collaborating with local response agencies to prepare emergency equipment.

These initiatives are part of a network investment exceeding $1.7 billion since 2000 to build and enhance its North Carolina wireless network, and Verizon consistently earns top rankings from independent consumer reporting and testing institutions for network quality and performance.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network.  As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 103.3 million retail customers, including 97.3 million retail postpaid customers.  Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless