NEW ORLEANS, March 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless
customers in south Louisiana 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 $99.5 million in wireless network enhancements
for customers across south Louisiana. 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 Louisiana 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 South Louisiana Footprint
In 2014, Verizon Wireless deployed its newest technology, XLTE,
to New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake
Charles, Alexandria and
Lafayette, as well as other
locations in Louisiana, to boost
4G LTE network capacity and enhance high-speed services 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 Louisiana 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 New
Orleans, Baton Rouge,
Lake Charles, Alexandria and Lafayette 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 7,867 baseline miles across south Louisiana to test network reception and
quality, and to ensure reliable coverage for all its
customers.
- Deployed 50 new cell sites across south Louisiana to strengthen coverage and capacity
of the Verizon Wireless network.
- Maintained a comprehensive emergency response plan, including
preparing emergency command centers across Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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