Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE Network Expands to Hardwick, Vermont09:00 EDT Tuesday, March 12, 2013 (Business Wire) -- Verizon Wireless: WHO: Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network WHAT: Verizon Wireless recently activated new fourth generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) network coverage within the town of Hardwick, Vermont. 4G LTE empowers Verizon Wireless customers with compatible devices to surf the Web, post status updates and photos, and download files wirelessly at speeds up to 10 times faster than customers on 3G networks. WHERE: Hardwick, Vermont BACKGROUND: In 2012, Verizon Wireless completed $256 million in wireless network enhancements across New England, increasing the company's regional network investment to more than $3.3 billion since its inception in 2000. Verizon Wireless also introduced and expanded 4G LTE service within the Green Mountain State as follows: May 2012:Verizon Wireless debuted 4G LTE in Burlington and more than 30 additional communities throughout Northern Vermont. July 2012: Verizon Wireless expanded 4G LTE to Bennington, Rutland and 16 additional communities. August 2012: Verizon Wireless activated 4G LTE service in Brattleboro, White River Junction and 14 additional communities, bringing the power of 4G LTE to more than sixty communities throughout the state in a matter of months. In addition to enhancing technologies at already existing cell sites, in 2012 Verizon Wireless built and activated new cell sites within the following Vermont communities: Castleton, Colchester, Hardwick, Hinesburg, North Hero, Northfield, South Hero, Swanton and Westford. “4G LTE is changing the way customers interact with the world via next generation apps, devices and solutions,” commented Dave MacBeth, Executive Director of Network for Verizon Wireless. “By investing in wireless broadband we're investing in local communities and economies where our customers live, work and play.” Two years after its launch, the Verizon 4G LTE network is available to more than 273 million people across the U.S. – close to 89 percent of the U.S. population. For a full list of 4G LTE markets please visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte. About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 98.2 million retail customers, including 92.5 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 73,000 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. Media Contacts:For Verizon WirelessMichael Murphy, 781-932-1213Michael.Murphy(at)verizonwireless.comhttp://twitter.com/VZWMikeorDiane Carragher, 978-518-4509Diane(at)matternow.com