Verizon Wireless Introduces America's Largest 4G LTE Network In Chico And Oroville, California

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Oct. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless customers in Chico and Oroville will be able to experience the blazingly fast speeds and capabilities of America's largest 4G LTE network when the service launches there today. With the introduction of the network in 23 new markets and the expansion in 41 existing markets, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is now available in more than 410 markets across the United States, surpassing its previously announced goal of providing its mobile broadband service in 400 markets by the end of this year. The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network covers nearly 4 out of 5 people in the U.S. – and offers more 4G LTE coverage in the U.S. than all other networks combined.

On Thursday, Oct. 18, customers who live in or visit areas including Chico, Oroville, Paradise and Palermo will have access to the nation's fastest 4G network. In addition to introducing its 4G LTE network in Chico and Oroville, Verizon Wireless is also expanding and introducing the network in Bakersfield, Fresno, and Kings and Tulare counties in California.

"Less than two years since the launch of our 4G LTE network, this milestone signifies our continued commitment to expanding and enhancing our 4G LTE network to reach customers across the country," said Russ Preite, region president for Verizon Wireless. "With the introduction of our 4G LTE network in Chico and Oroville, customers and local businesses will be able to take advantage of the innovative products and services made possible by 4G LTE technology."

In addition to Chico and Oroville, the company has announced it also will launch 4G LTE service in Eureka, California before the end of this year.

Innovations with 4G LTE Technology

To date, Verizon Wireless has introduced 37 4G LTE-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, personal Wi-Fi hotspots and more since the network launched 22 months ago. Verizon Wireless customers can choose from the largest selection of 4G LTE devices and solutions to experience the nation's fastest 4G network. The newest 4G LTE devices include the [ DROID RAZR™ M by Motorola ] and the [ Samsung Galaxy S® III ]. Details can be found at [ www.verizonwireless.com/4G LTE ]. Information on plans and pricing for consumers and businesses is available at [ www.verizonwireless.com/plans ].

4G LTE Coverage and Speed

In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.

When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, 4G LTE devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area, or when they travel to areas already covered by 4G LTE.

For more information about Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network, visit [ 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 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 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 Introduces America's Largest 4G LTE Network In Chico And Oroville, California