IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless invested more than $729 million during 2011 in California to provide new wireless services, network coverage and additional capacity for its customers across the state. Verizon Wireless' network investment in California now totals more than $7.2 billion since 2000. Nationally, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $70 billion to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide networks and to add new services.

"We know Californians depend on their smartphones, tablets, laptop modems and other wireless devices to stay connected, to be more productive and for entertainment. That's why we are always investing and working to ensure our network and wireless solutions are the very best," said Luis Cruz, president, Verizon Wireless Southern California Region.

In 2011, Verizon Wireless launched/expanded its groundbreaking 4G LTE network in California. Customers throughout the greater Los Angeles and San Diego regions now have access to the most advanced 4G LTE network in the world."

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is available in 195 US markets and covers more than 200 million people, providing the fastest 4G network in the United States. Full nationwide deployment of the company's 4G LTE network is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2013.

Additional highlights of the Verizon Wireless network investment in California during 2011 include:


    --  COW, COLT deployments; wildfire, disaster response.
    --  Switch upgrades or new switches.
    --  Deployment of technicians and special vehicles to measure the 4G LTE
        Verizon Wireless network performance versus other carriers.

For more information on the Verizon Wireless network, visit www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 108.7 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 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