Verizon Launches Wireless Broadband Network in Southwest Florida

Verizon Wireless announced it has launched its wireless broadband network in the core areas of Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties, allowing Southwest Florida customers to utilize the latest high-speed business and entertainment services on their wireless phones, laptop computers and other wireless devices. The expansion extends the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess network from Sarasota to as far south as Fort Myers.

In addition, the high-speed service is scheduled to be available in Manatee and Collier counties within 30 days. This multi-million dollar expansion into Southwest Florida is part of an ongoing network investment by Verizon Wireless that has totaled more than $1 billion in the state and $30 billion nationally over the past six years.

"Southwest Florida is an important, fast-growing market with dynamic, tech-savvy businesses and consumers," said Mike Lanman, Verizon Wireless Florida region president. "The launch of our broadband network here will provide access to the very latest wireless technology and services such as BroadbandAccess and V CAST music and video."

The wireless broadband experience is made possible by the Verizon Wireless EV-DO (evolution-data optimized) technology, with typical connection speeds of 400-700 kilobits per second (kbps), and the capability of reaching speeds in excess of 2.0 mbps.

Also, the network upgrade in Southwest Florida will further strengthen the Verizon Wireless network in the event of emergencies. "We've seen here in Southwest Florida that a strong, reliable wireless network plays a priceless role in public safety in large-scale emergencies and every day," Lanman said. "Verizon Wireless will continue to heavily invest here to serve residents, businesses and visitors locally and across the state."