Wireless providers upgrade networks in 2012
Dec 28, 2012 (Menafn - Sun Sentinel - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --Verizon Wireless has invested about 240 million in network enhancements in Florida in 2012 to expand 4G LTE and other advanced wireless technologies to customers statewide, the telecom provider announced Thursday.
The 4G LTE or fourth generation, long-term evolution high-speed platform gives customers faster Internet connections and data downloads, among other benefits.
"The rapid expansion of 4G LTE was a priority in 2012 as customers feasted on the technology's rich capabilities all over the state," said Frank Wise, network executive director for the Verizon Wireless Florida region, in a statement.
4G LTE currently covers all of Florida's major markets and is accessible to the majority of the state's population, Verizon said.
Other 2012 improvements included upgrades to five "super-switch" network processing centers, including facilities in Pembroke Pines, Jupiter and Orlando, which serve as the hubs for network operations during hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and other types of disaster response.
Built to withstand Category 5 hurricanes, the centers feature on-site power generation and several backup systems to ensure reliable handling of tens of millions of wireless calls and data transmissions daily, Verizon said.
This year, Verizon also completed high-tech installations and upgrades to several sports facilities in Florida to enhance attendees' wireless experience, including the Marlins Park and Dolphins Stadium in Miami and Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
"Sports venues and events often provide wireless networks with special challenges due to the structural design of the buildings, plus the tens or hundreds of thousands of smartphone toting fans and media all tweeting, texting, talking and posting at once," Wise said.
Separately Thursday, competitor AT&T said it completed capacity improvements to 35 cell sites aimed at enhancing mobile Internet coverage and voice performance for customers in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.
The capacity upgrades make it possible for the cell sites to accommodate more traffic, which in turn boosts the performance of mobile Internet data and voice connectivity.
"Our top priority is to provide customers with an exceptional wireless experience," said AT&T Florida President Marshall Criser lll, in a statement. "The ongoing enhancements we're making to our local mobile Internet network to expand coverage, capacity and super-fast speeds are one way we're accomplishing this goal."
asatchell@tribune.com, 954-356-4209 or Twitter @TheSatchreport
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