Verizon Expanding its 4G LTE Network

Verizon Wireless has announced that it will expand its 4G LTE network in four cities and open a network in a new market on February 16. At the end of the expansion, 200 million customers in 196 service areas will be able to enjoy the speed advantages of 4G.

“As the nation’s largest 4G LTE network, our focus remains on continuing to expand the network while providing our customers with an unmatched 4G experience,” said David Small, Verizon’s CTO.  “We remain committed to offering the strongest service available with the same gold standards our customers have come to expect from our reliable 3G network.”

The four cities that will see network expansion include Little Rock, Arkansas; San Antonio, Texas; Clarksville, Tennessee; and Rapid City, South Dakota. Verizon will also activate a new network in Cookeville, Tennessee. The expansion should allow users to see downloads of five to 12 megabits per second and uploads of two to five megabits per second.

If 4G users leave their standard calling area, then their devices will automatically switch over to Verizon’s 3G network. The company encourages customers to purchase 4G LTE –enabled devices so that they can take advantage of 4G as it becomes available in more and more markets. The company mentioned that the DROID 4 and the DROID RAZR MAXX are two devices manufactured by Motorola that enable 4G connectivity.

Verizon’s 4G LTE network is the largest in the country. AT&T also utilizes LTE, whereas Sprint uses WiMax and T-Mobile uses HSPA-plus technology. Only five states, including Maine, Vermont, Montana, Alaska and Wyoming, do not have 4G coverage in at least some major cities. In most major cities, people can find at least two carriers that offer 4G coverage, although Verizon has been the most aggressive with its 4G LTE rollout.

In the last quarter of 2011, Verizon recorded its largest explosion of revenue growth in its 11-year history. Growth was largely credited to the expansion of its 4G LTE network and its lineup of 4G LTE devices. Verizon’s CFO, Fran Shammo, remarked that, “On a strategic front, we made some moves that will significantly improve our competitive position.”