Verizon Wireless completes $170M phase of Florida network expansion, enhancement

BOCA RATON, Fla. (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless phone company, has completed the initial $170 million phase of a $320 million digital network expansion in Florida. The initial build-out, launched in early spring of 2000, enhanced coverage throughout Florida and added more than 7,000 square miles of coverage across the state.

"This is a massive expansion and enhancement effort for an already outstanding statewide network," said Mike Lanman, Florida region president for Verizon Wireless, formerly operating in Florida as PrimeCo Personal Communications. "We believe a strong network is the backbone of wireless communications and Verizon Wireless is committed to having the best network in the business."

A solid network of transmission sites provides wider geographic coverage and larger call volume on Verizon Wireless' CDMA digital network, improves signal strength, and allows the capacity for more elaborate services such as wireless data applications.

"An outstanding network allows your wireless phone to work well where you need it to work," Lanman said. "And it's not just a matter of convenience. With the public safety role that wireless phones now fill, solid coverage is important."

The expansion boosts Verizon Wireless' Florida geographic coverage to more than 20,000 square miles (most of the state minus some parts of the Panhandle) and 13 million of the state's 15.9 million residents. In the $150 million second phase of its network expansion -- just being launched -- targeted areas include the Panhandle from Tallahassee to Ft. Walton Beach.

However, most of the sites added in this recently completed phase were to enhance existing coverage and service in the company's core areas of Florida - including Miami, Orlando, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and others -- helping to make "in-building" calling clearer and more reliable.

During the recent expansion phase, Verizon Wireless also succeeded in placing new transmission sites in unobtrusive locations. The vast majority of new transmitters - about nine out of every 10 - were erected on existing structures such as office, apartment and other large buildings, utility poles, radio towers and other commercial sites.

"Our primary goal is to provide our customers with the coverage they need, while not creating clutter in our communities," added Lanman. "We're proud that we have been able to accomplish that. And we're excited how this first phase and the continuing build-out will improve our network and overall services to Florida customers."