Verizon completes $264 Mn in DC, Maryland & Virginia Network enhancements in 2008 (USA)
Verizon Wireless announced completion of a $264 million investment in its wireless voice and data network in the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia region in 2008, bringing the company’s regional network investment to more than $2 billion since 2000.
In addition, the company continued investing in backup power and other redundant systems to keep the network operating during commercial power outages, and in its rigorous network testing program to monitor reliability and assist the company in making further improvements.
“Customers can expect Verizon Wireless to continue investing in our Washington, Maryland, Virginia network in 2009,” said Mike Maiorana, regional president, Verizon Wireless. “We’re focused on integrating the Verizon Wireless and Alltel networks, building out new coverage areas and increasing capacity where we already have service, so that our customers can continue to rely on their wireless devices to keep in touch and stay connected.”
The 2008 network investment of $264 million in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia supported the activation of new cell sites, upgraded equipment and the expansion of the company’s high-speed broadband network, Mobile Broadband. Mobile Broadband is the enhanced high-speed wireless service that equips Verizon Wireless’ business customers with a truly untethered mobile office experience, enabling them to wirelessly access their calendars, the Internet, e-mail and critical business information residing behind their companies’ firewalls. The network investment also enhanced V CAST, the company’s consumer-oriented multimedia service that gives customers access to the most comprehensive selection of downloadable music, high-quality videos and cool 3D games.
Verizon Wireless also continued investing in its industry-leading network quality assurance program. Locally, the company’s real-life test men and women drove specially equipped “baseline testing” vehicles thousands of miles across the region on Interstate, U.S. and state highways as well as major roads in high-population areas to determine if voice calls and data connections were successful on the first attempt and stayed connected. Vehicles are equipped with computer-controlled cell phones that — on a national basis — make more than three million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless’ network and the networks of other carriers.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 80 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD).
For more information, please visit www.verizonwireless.com.
