Verizon Wireless Continues Significant Network Investment In South Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, March 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless customers in south Louisiana will experience faster, more reliable wireless calling, data streaming and Web surfing thanks to heavy investments the company made in 2014. Over the past year, the company invested $99.5 million in wireless network enhancements for customers across south Louisiana. This investment includes enhancements to its XLTE and 4G LTE services, introducing new cell sites and initiating projects to expand and enhance services for its customers.

"We have a relentless focus on providing our customers with the most reliable network possible.  The significant investments we made across south Louisiana in 2014 are evidence of that unwavering commitment," said Krista Bourne, president, Houston/Gulf Coast Region - Verizon Wireless. "We were particularly excited to launch XLTE this past year, as it provides 4G LTE services better, faster and to even more customers. In the coming year, we will continue to focus on our customers and their everyday needs by empowering them with the latest in innovative technology backed by a network they can count on when they need it most."

XLTE Deployed Across Entire South Louisiana Footprint

In 2014, Verizon Wireless deployed its newest technology, XLTE, to New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Alexandria and Lafayette, as well as other locations in Louisiana, 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 to send photos, download videos, surf the Internet and use other popular applications on their smartphones, tablets and other devices during times of peak usage.

Year-Round Severe Weather Preparation

Verizon's capital investment in Louisiana fuels year-round preparations for severe weather like hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and wildfires, when network reliability is crucial. The company also maintains a fleet of cells on wheels (COWs), cells on light trucks (COLTs) and generators on trailers (GOATs) for immediate deployment to provide extra network support when severe weather strikes.

2014 Verizon Wireless Network Investment Highlights

• Introduced XLTE service to New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Alexandria and Lafayette that utilizes 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.
• Drove 7,867 baseline miles across south Louisiana to test network reception and quality, and to ensure reliable coverage for all its customers.
• Deployed 50 new cell sites across south Louisiana to strengthen coverage and capacity of the Verizon Wireless network.
• Maintained a comprehensive emergency response plan, including preparing emergency command centers across Louisiana in the case of a storm or other crisis.

Network Investments Matter

The network enhancement 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. Nationally, the company has invested more than $100 billion since it was formed in 2000 to add new services and increase coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide networks.

For Verizon Wireless Updates on Twitter
Stay in the know about Verizon Wireless news in south Louisiana by following @VZWGretchen on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWGretchen. For the latest on products, corporate initiatives and perspectives, follow @VZWNews at http://twitter.com/VZWnews.

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 108.2 million retail customers, including 102.1 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. 

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SOURCE Verizon Wireless

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