MORRISTOWN, N.J., Jan. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, today announced it has completed nearly $230 million in enhancements to its New Jersey network in 2005. The multi-million dollar local investment, part of more than $25 billion invested across the nation in the past five years, included adding and updating cell sites and new switching facilities to improve call handling capacity and quality, increase coverage and expand advanced services like wireless broadband Internet access, and text and video messaging.
The company also continued to invest in redundancy capabilities designed to keep the network operating during power outages and in its rigorous network quality assurance program- daily testing designed to analyze network reliability and assist the company in targeting improvements.
"Reliable wireless networks are not built overnight," said Charles Hand, president of the company's New York Metro Region. "While our competitors focus on integrating divergent networks and image makeovers, Verizon Wireless continues to efficiently invest in network enhancements to deliver what our customers want most: the best, most reliable wireless voice and data network."
As part of its ongoing state-wide investment in New Jersey, Verizon Wireless expanded its BroadbandAccess 3G high-speed wireless broadband network, first deployed in 2004, to nearly three quarters of the New York Metro area population in 2005. Customers in large portions of New Jersey - Somerset, Middlesex, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union, Morris and Monmouth counties - now enjoy wireless Internet connections at broadband-like speeds and V CAST, the first and only wireless broadband multimedia service for consumers.
Other network upgrades in 2005 included:
* Three new mobile switching facilities were added in the region including
two switches in Wayne, NJ, to stay ahead of growing demand for voice and
data services like two-way text messaging, picture messaging,
downloadable ringtones and games.
* Increased call-handling capacity at nearly 200 cell sites throughout the
region.
* Added new cell sites in northern and central New Jersey, increasing both
coverage and capacity. Additional cell sites are scheduled to be built
in 2006.
* Added new sites and extra capacity in Sussex County to handle increasing
demand for service at the county's ski and recreation areas.
* Expanded BroadbandAccess service at the Jersey Shore just in time for
the busy summer travel season and to accommodate business people who
need wireless access to behind the firewall office applications from
shore homes.
* Installed additional generators and batteries throughout the New
York/New Jersey Metro region. Every Verizon Wireless cell site has hours
of battery backup to keep the network operating during commercial power
outages. The vast majority of cell sites have generator backup as well.
Last year, Verizon Wireless' cross-country team of real-life test men and women made more than 3.6 million calls and traveled more than 1.2 million miles nationwide, testing the Verizon Wireless network on the most frequently traveled roadways. The company's reputation for having the most reliable national wireless network is based on network studies performed by these real- life test men and women who inspired the company's national television advertising campaign.
During 2005, test results consistently showed that the number of ineffective attempts for the Verizon Wireless New Jersey network was lower than any other New York Metro area carrier. Test results also indicated that calls connected on the Verizon Wireless network were more likely to stay connected for the duration of the call.
Demand for Verizon Wireless services continued during 2005 as the company set new records for net new customers - nearly 5.5 million during the first three quarters of the year - and for customer loyalty - posting the lowest rate of customer turnover in the industry during the first nine months of 2005. Verizon Wireless now serves 49.3 million customers nationwide.
"Our New Jersey customers are among the most demanding and tech savvy in the nation and, while other wireless carriers play catch-up, we will continue to deliver the reliable and innovative services our customers demand," Hand said. "In 2006, we'll continue to focus on the fundamentals of our business - providing the best network, superior customer service and advanced, innovative products and services - day in and day out, one customer at a time."
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the most reliable nationwide wireless network, serving 49.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
