Verizon expanding 3G / EVDO coverage in Illinois with 96 towers -- 4G planned for 2010

National Deployment of 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) Network Scheduled to begin in 2010

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 4  -- Verizon Wireless today announced that it has activated 11 new cell sites in Illinois in the first quarter and is on target to build a total of 96 new cell sites in 2009, spending more than $150 million on its network in the state this year.

The 96 new cell sites will expand network coverage and increase capacity, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

Where possible, Verizon Wireless will be installing permanent generators, along with batteries, at its new cell sites, ensuring its customers can continue to communicate during power outages, tornados, flooding and other disasters.

"Network reliability is the No. 1 reason that customers choose and stay with Verizon Wireless," said T.J. Fox, president-Illinois/Wisconsin Region, Verizon Wireless. "Getting through on the first try and maintaining a connection are what matter most to our customers. This year, our mission remains the same: We will continue to perfect our network so that our customers in Illinois know they can depend on us every time they pick up their wireless devices."

Moving Forward with 4G

Verizon Wireless is also working this year on building the underlying infrastructure that will enable it to become the first wireless company to offer commercial 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE)-based service in the United States, starting in 2010.

"LTE enables us to continue to meet business customer demands for a higher bandwidth, low latency service that works broadly in the United States and globally, while helping us to meet consumer demand for mobilizing the many applications they frequently use when tethered to high bandwidth wired networks," said Fox. "We look forward to bringing a new, enhanced mobile broadband experience for consumers and enterprises throughout the United States."