Verizon Wireless Pumps $60 Million Into Arkansas Networks

Verizon Wireless says it has poured more than $60 million into its wireless network across Arkansas during the first 7 months of 2011.

The New Jersey-based telecom, which located its South Central headquarters in Little Rock after its buyout of Alltel Corp., has been rolling out 4G LTE (long-term evolution) service in parts of the state, including northwest Arkansas, Fort Smith and Jonesboro.  Verizon company leaders say a central Arkansas rollout of 4G is expected by the end of this year.

“These network enhancements help us stay ahead of the game as new customers, new products and, certainly, advanced technology become available to Arkansans,” said Steve Smith, president of the South Central Region for Verizon Wireless. “We’re ensuring that Arkansans have the largest, most reliable 3G network, and the fastest, most advanced 4G network regardless of where they are in our state.”

Verizon’s investments include upgraded hardware and software across the state, strengthening its cell site traffic delivery and data connection speeds.
 
Since 2005, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $317 million in Arkansas to expand and enhance network coverage and services, according to company officials.