14 DAY TRIAL // Today, Verizon Wireless’s LTE network will offer fast connectivity capabilities to people in more areas in the United States, increasing the total number of markets in which it is available to 203.
Seven new markets are set to get a taste of Verizon’s 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network today, while people in 17 others will benefit from expanded coverage.
Today, Dothan, Ala. becomes the 200th markets in the United States to receive LTE connectivity. Over 200 4G-capable devices were made available for purchase in these areas.
In addition to unveiling plans to expand the 4G coverage to these new markets, Verizon also announced its intent to double the number of LTE markets by the end of the year.
The wireless carrier is set to offer the enhanced 4G speeds to people in more than 400 markets before 2012 is over. The network will cover more than 260 million people in the United States by the end of 2012.
"Our plans to double our 4G LTE network coverage from the end of 2011 to the end of 2012 align with the aggressive and rapid deployment strategy we have taken with our 4G LTE network," said David Small, chief technical officer of Verizon Wireless.
"Our commitment to expanding and enhancing our 4G LTE network is enabling more customers across the country to enjoy the benefits of the most popular wireless devices. We will continue investing in our 4G LTE network and working with key partners to ensure our customers have access to the best products and services available."
Today, Verizon will switch on 4G LTE in the following 7 new markets: Dothan and Enterprise, Ala.; Naples, Fla.; Greenville, N.C.; Altus and Durant, Okla.; and Longview/Marshall, Texas.
Additionally, the carrier will expand the 4G coverage in Washington, D.C.; Elkhart, Ind.; Baltimore, Md.; Columbus, Miss.; Northern N.J.; Wilmington, N.C.; Duncan, Okla.; Allentown/Bethlehem, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Pa.; Hilton Head, S.C.; Cleveland, Tenn.; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; and Kenosha, Madison and Milwaukee, Wis.
Verizon promises download speeds of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on its 4G LTE network, along with upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps.
Moreover, it notes that users will immediately switch to 3G when traveling outside the 4G LTE coverage areas. Thus, they will benefit from connectivity from coast to coast.