Verizon Wireless Launches Wireless Broadband Network, Services in Pensacola, Florida
PENSACOLA, Fla., Oct. 30 -- Verizon Wireless announced today it has launched its wireless broadband network in Pensacola, Florida allowing area customers to utilize the latest high-speed business and entertainment services on their wireless phones, laptop computers and other wireless devices.
The expansion -- which entailed installing high-tech wireless hardware and software in dozens of wireless transmission sites throughout the area -- extends the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess network from Highway 90 west of Pensacola to Escambia Bay and from Highway 90A north of the city to Pensacola Bay. Hardware and software upgrades are complete, the system has been tested, and area residents now may enjoy wireless broadband service on the nation's most reliable network.
This multi-million dollar expansion into the Pensacola area is part of an ongoing network investment by Verizon Wireless that has totaled more than $1 billion in Florida and $30 billion nationally over the past six years.
"Pensacola is an important, fast-growing market with dynamic, tech-savvy businesses and consumers," said Katherine Greene, Verizon Wireless 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."
BroadbandAccess allows customers to connect wirelessly to the Internet, download e-mail and applications, and log into their corporate servers via their laptop at broadband speeds. The technology provides mobile workers full access, productivity and security, just as if they were at their desks and attached via a high-speed wired connection, but with the freedom of true mobility.
This wireless broadband experience is made possible by the Verizon Wireless Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) technology, with typical connection speeds of 400-700 kilobits per second (kbps).
For a limited time, Verizon Wireless customers with a new or existing voice plan can receive unlimited BroadbandAccess service for $59.99 monthly access for Internet browsing, e-mail and intranet access. A new two-year customer agreement is required. For non-voice customers, BroadbandAccess is available for $79.99 monthly access with a new one- or two-year customer agreement.
The Verizon Wireless V CAST service gives customers access to short video content, downloadable music and cutting-edge 3D games on their mobile phone. With V CAST, customers can get short video content on-demand, including current news, weather, sports and entertainment programming. And music lovers with a V CAST Music-enabled phone are able to download and play their favorite songs -- all while on-the-go.
In addition to allowing advanced applications such as BroadbandAccess and V CAST, the network upgrade in Pensacola will further strengthen the Verizon Wireless network in the event of emergencies. The network stood up well to the extraordinary storm seasons of 2004 and 2005 while other communication networks often suffered substantial disruptions.
"We've seen here in Pensacola that a strong, reliable wireless network plays a priceless role in public safety in large-scale emergencies and every day," Greene said. "Verizon Wireless will continue to heavily invest here to serve residents, businesses and visitors locally and across the Gulf Coast."
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 56.7 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at 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 www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Source: Verizon Wireless
CONTACT:
Patrick Kimball,
+1-713-219-8227,
patrick.kimball@verizonwireless.com
Web site: www.verizonwireless.com/
