Verizon Wireless customers in the area can now use their 4G LTE smartphones, laptop modems and hotspots to take advantage of speeds up to 10 times faster than the company's 3G network. 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 - perfect for surfing the Web, downloading large files, and sharing music and photos.

"We're excited to lead the Capital Region into the 4G LTE wireless broadband world, helping residents, businesses, media and local government connect faster and more fully with each other and with those outside the area," said Russ Preite, president of Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region. "Our 4G LTE network is revolutionizing the way people communicate. We know this connectivity will be a key communications and technology enabler for many years to come."

Verizon Wireless introduced the globe's first large-scale LTE network on December 5, 2010, covering more than 110 million Americans, and is quickly expanding national coverage. The service launched in the New York City and Rochester markets in December. In addition to the Capital Region, the service will be available in the Syracuse and Ithaca areas soon. The company is on course to deliver 4G LTE to its entire 3G wireless footprint by the end of 2013. When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, their 4G devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, enabling them to stay connected from coast to coast.

As the first wireless company in the world to broadly deploy game-changing 4G LTE technology, Verizon Wireless is committed to building its 4G network with the same performance and reliability for which it has long been recognized. Verizon Wireless' consistent focus on reliability is based on rigid engineering standards and a disciplined deployment approach year after year. The company's 700 MHz spectrum gives Verizon Wireless specific advantages with 4G, including a contiguous, nationwide network license.

Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for more information about Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 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 .