Verizon Announces Broadband Network Expansion in Iowa

Mobile phone carrier Verizon Wireless announced on Wednesday that it has managed to complete the integration of its network with Alltels network in Central and Eastern Iowa areas, a move that will enable it to deliver increased wireless broadband speeds to mobile phone users in the region. The new network upgrade will result in access to services like wireless Internet, e-mail, mobile music, videos, and more, which users will enjoy directly from their mobile phones, and which are much faster than previously.

According to the wireless carrier, the improved voice and data coverage will be available for those living or passing through cities along major roadways, including:
- Interstate 80 between Des Moines and Iowa City including Grinnell, Newton and Williamsburg
- Interstate 380 between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids including Brandon
- U.S. Highway 20 between Waterloo and Dubuque including Jesup, Independence, Manchester and Dyersville.

In addition, communities in Prairie City, Monroe, Pella, Oskaloosa, Eddyville, New Sharon, Montezuma, Delta, Sigourney, Crawfordsville, Washington, Ottumwa, Albia, Eldon, Knoxville, Fairfield, Centerville, Bloomfield, Keosauqua, Bonaparte, and Farmington will also benefit from the new network coverage expansion, the mobile phone operator noted.

“The addition of Alltel’s network to the Verizon Wireless network provides our customers with unmatched high-speed wireless coverage throughout Iowa,” said Nancy Clark, president – Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. “Our 3G network gives our customers three key advantages in wireless communication—speed, mobility and security. We are continually improving our network so Iowans know they can rely on our service.”

Verizon also noted that its voice and high-speed 3G data network, combined with that of Alltrel, result in the largest wireless network footprint in the country. The carrier has been working on the integration of Alltel's network since purchasing the company about a year ago, and it has upgraded Alltel’s 3G data network to EV-DO Revision A, so as to offer faster data speeds to users.