Verizon Wireless Invests $111 Million To Enhance New York/New Jersey Metro Area Network Since January 2008
ORANGEBURG, NY — Verizon Wireless today announced it has invested more than $111 million to enhance its wireless voice and data network in Metro New York and northern and central New Jersey in just the first six months of 2008. The company's 3G high-speed data network now covers more than 80 percent of the entire U.S. population the most people of any wireless service provider allowing customers to browse the Internet, download music, and send e-mail and picture and video messages faster, in more places.
The investment in New York City; Long Island; Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties in New York; and Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic and Union counties in New Jersey, is part of more than $2 billion invested in the region and more than $45 billion invested across the nation since the company was formed in 2000. Local network enhancements during the first part of this year include:
- Activating 51 new cell sites to improve coverage and increase capacity.
- Upgrading 279 existing sites, increasing 3G network capacity and coverage throughout the region.
- Installing four in-building solutions which allow Verizon Wireless customers to send and receive voice calls and data in even the most remote areas inside a building. The company installed both permanent and temporary in-building systems at the request of corporate customers, local law enforcement agencies, and hotel and entertainment venues.
- Deploying four portable Cells on Wheels (COWs) to boost coverage for special events including this summer's Bon Jovi concert in Central Park, Pope Benedicts XVI's visit to New York City and St. Joseph's Seminary in Westchester in April, the Belmont Stakes in June, and Shea Stadium. COWs are fully-functional, generator-powered mobile cell sites that enhance coverage and capacity in a given area during special events or emergencies.
In 2003, Verizon Wireless was the first carrier in the nation to offer 3G wireless broadband service and has offered the service in New York and New Jersey since September of 2004. Last year, it upgraded this national wireless broadband network to CDMA 1x Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revision A (Rev. A) technology, allowing faster uploads.
Verizon Wireless' most reliable network reputation is based on tests conducted by the company's real-life test men and women, who monitor and test the network every day to help deliver a great customer experience. The quality testing teams drive specially-equipped vehicles to test voice and data network performance on the Verizon Wireless network and the networks of up to seven other wireless carriers.
The company is the industry leader in customer loyalty for 15 consecutive quarters, reporting the lowest monthly customer turnover, or churn, of all the national wireless carriers last month.
Editors Note: Test Man Ride-Along Program:
If you are interested in setting up an interview or ride-along test drive with your local Verizon Wireless test man or woman, please contact Kim Ancin at 845-429-3839.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 68.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 70,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: 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.
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