LAUREL, Md., Aug. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, owner of America's largest 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, today announced that its 4G LTE network will cover more than 75 percent of the U.S. population when it introduces the network in 34 new markets and expands in 38 other markets on Aug. 16. With Thursday's market launches and expansions, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network will be available to customers in 371 markets across the country, including the towns of Charlottesville and Waynesboro, and Albemarle, Augusta, Fluvanna, Greene, Madison, Nelson and Buckingham Counties.

"Our continued expansion of our 4G LTE network in Central Virginia further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide our customers with the highest quality communications technology," said Mike Maiorana, Regional President, Verizon Wireless. "With 4G LTE, customers in and around Charlottesville will now be able to enjoy the best experience in wireless data usage on the nation's largest 4G LTE network while at home, at work or on travel."

Products, Services and Plans

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network enables customers to upload images on their social channels, download documents, connect with family and friends and more, all at speeds up to 10 times faster than before. The company gives customers the largest selection of 4G LTE devices offered by any wireless provider. Devices range from tablets and mobile hotspots to the latest smartphones and more, including the Samsung Galaxy S® III and the DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC. Details on available devices can be found at www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE and information on plans and pricing is available at www.verizonwireless.com/plans.

Verizon Wireless customers can take advantage of HomeFusion™ Broadband, a solution that leverages the power and speed of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network to deliver high-speed, in-home Internet access for residential broadband, particularly in areas where Internet options are limited or are not currently available.

Verizon Wireless also offers in-store and online Wireless Workshops that provide customers with the information they need to maximize their wireless experience on smartphones and tablets. For customers new to 4G LTE or looking to purchase a 4G LTE device, Verizon Wireless is now offering a 4G LTE workshop online and in select stores about the power and benefits of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network as well as the basic and advanced features of 4G LTE devices.

Speed and Coverage

In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside of 4G LTE coverage areas, devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast.

Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area or when they travel to areas already covered by Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network.

Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for a full list of 4G LTE markets and additional information on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. For street-level detail of coverage and more, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/4GLTE.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE,NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE,NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit 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