MOBILE, Ala., March 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless
customers along the coastal region of south Alabama and the Florida Panhandle 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 $39.2 million in
wireless network enhancements for customers from Mobile, Ala. to Pensacola, Fl. 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 Alabama and the Florida Panhandle 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 Coastal Region of South Alabama and Florida Panhandle
In 2014, Verizon Wireless deployed its newest technology, XLTE
to Mobile, Ala., Ft. Walton Beach, Fl. and Pensacola, Fl., as well as other areas in the
region, to boost 4G LTE network capacity and enhance high-speed
service 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 south Alabama and the Florida Panhandle 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 Mobile, Ft. Walton
Beach and Pensacola 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 4,069 baseline miles across south Alabama and the Florida panhandle to test network reception
and quality, and to ensure reliable coverage for all its
customers.
- Deployed 33 new cell sites across south Alabama and the Florida Panhandle to strengthen coverage and
capacity of the Verizon Wireless network.
- Maintained a comprehensive emergency response plan, including
preparing emergency command centers across south Alabama and the Florida Panhandle 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 Alabama and the Florida Panhandle 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