Wireless carrier Verizon announced on Wednesday that it made new improvements to its 3G network in Pennsylvania. According to the mobile phone operator, users in the area can now enjoy better wireless calling, as well as improved messaging and web surfing, due to the activation of a series of new sites in various locations around Pennsylvania.

The company deployed two new cell sites in Lackawanna County, one of which offers network improvements at Sno Mountain Ski Resort, in the resort’s lodge and along Montage Mountain Road, and at the Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain. The second site increases the coverage in the Old Forge, Moosic, and Duryea, as well as along Route 11 from Avoca to the intersection of Interstate 81, Main Street, South Main Street, and McAlpine Street.

Another new site has been activated in Lebanon, Verizon notes. According to the carrier, the new deployment is meant to offer increased coverage and capacity in Weavertown, along portions of Route 897 to Iona and along Route 422 West and Route 422 East to Iona. Moreover, the new site also delivers network coverage and capacity enhancements at the Lebanon locations of both Wal-Mart and Home Depot.

Cumberland County residents will also enjoy better 3G services from Verizon with the deployment of two new sites in Mechanicsburg. The first one should increase coverage along Silver Spring Road, Routes 11 and 581, as well as Trindle Spring Run, while the second one brings enhancements along Orrs Bridge Road north to Interstate 81, south to Route 11, east to East Penn Drive and west to Route 581.

“We've always believed even the most advanced cell phone is only as good as the network it runs on,” said Mario Turco, president of Verizon Wireless’ Philadelphia Tri-State Region. ”Our 3G high-speed Mobile Broadband network is the largest and most reliable in the United States, and field tests are underway that will enable us to become the first wireless company to offer commercial LTE (Long Term Evolution)-based 4G service in the U.S., starting in 2010.”