Verizon Wireless Investing More Than $36.5 Million in Kentucky Network in 2009, Including 20 New Cell Sites
National Deployment of 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) Network Scheduled to begin in 2010
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Wireless today announced that it has activated 11 new cell sites in Kentucky in the first half of the year and is on target to build a total of 20 new cell sites in 2009, while spending more than $36.5 million on its wireless voice and data network in the commonwealth this year.
The 20 new cell sites will expand network coverage and increase capacity, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.
Where possible, Verizon Wireless will be installing permanent generators at its new cell sites, ensuring its customers can continue to communicate during power outages, tornados, flooding and other disasters. Nearly all of Verizon Wireless cell sites across the state built to date already have permanent generators installed, and that practice kept the network up and running during the massive power outages last winter and spring, especially in western Kentucky.
“A wireless phone is only as good as the network that it operates on,” said Greg Haller, president-Kentucky/Indiana/ Michigan Region, Verizon Wireless. “Our customers depend on us to maintain a reliable network so that, when they press send, their calls go through and stay connected. Every year, we continue to invest millions of dollars in our Kentucky network because network reliability is our top priority and the No. 1 reason why customers choose Verizon Wireless.”
Moving Forward with 4G
Verizon Wireless is also working this year on building the underlying infrastructure that will enable it to become the first wireless company to offer commercial 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE)-based service in the United States, starting in 2010.
“LTE enables us to continue to meet business customer demands for a higher bandwidth, low latency service that works broadly in the United States and globally, while helping us to meet consumer demand for mobilizing the many applications they frequently use when tethered to high bandwidth wired networks,” said Haller. “We look forward to bringing a new, enhanced mobile broadband experience for consumers and enterprises throughout the United States.”
Verizon Wireless has invested more than $50 billion since it was formed – $5.5 billion on average every year – to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. The company spends more on its wireless network than any other wireless service provider.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 87.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 87,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE 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
CONTACT: Michelle Gilbert of Verizon Wireless, +1-248-915-3680, michelle.gilbert@verizonwireless.com; or Ashley Schaffner for Verizon Wireless, +1-502-625-1636, Ashley@guthriemayes.com
Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/
