BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Verizon Wireless continued its commitment to providing an unparalleled experience when it comes to wireless connectivity in Alabama in the first half of 2011. The company launched 4G LTE in Mobile and Montgomery in May and announced the July launch of the fourth generation network in Huntsville. Meanwhile, as the company launched the Apple iPhone 4 in February, Verizon Wireless continued to invest in its reliable 3G network, building network capacity in 143 cities across the state. The company's investment in Alabama now totals more than $790 million since the company was formed in 2000.

"These significant network investments represent our ongoing commitment to network superiority across the state. Verizon Wireless is years ahead of other carriers in our 4G deployment and we continue to invest in our reliable 3G network, ensuring our customers will always be able to rely on our network to make calls, conduct business and stay connected wherever they go in Alabama," said Jeff Mango, president – Georgia/Alabama Region, Verizon Wireless.

New Cell Sites and Other Network Enhancements

Over the first six months of 2011, network enhancements worth more than $85 million were activated in 143 cities in Alabama. New 3G EVDO cell towers were erected in several areas including Andalusia, McKenzie, Haleyville, Opelika and Sylacauga.

As previously announced, new cell towers were turned on with the company's 4G LTE access in Montgomery, Prattville, Millbrook, Wetumpka, Shorter, Tallassee, Troy, Tuskegee, Huntsville, Decatur, Athens and Madison County. Verizon Wireless will continue rapidly expanding the network, with plans to cover its entire 3G footprint by the end of 2013.

Other 2011 Verizon Wireless Network Highlights

Nearly 2.5 billion voice and data transmissions and more than 8.5 billion minutes of airtime were logged on the Verizon Wireless network in Alabama during the first six months of 2011.
Wireless data traffic increased over 145% and Text Messaging Service increased nearly 150% from the same time period in 2010.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $65 billion nationally – $6 billion on average every year – to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 106.3 million total wireless connections, including 89.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 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 ]. 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

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Verizon Wireless Continues Network Commitment with 2011 Investments in Alabama

Verizon Wireless Continues Network Commitment with 2011 Investments in Alabama

3G Enhancements, 4G LTE Rollout Ensure Alabamians are More Connected Than Ever Before