PORTSMOUTH, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To continue to stay ahead of rising demand for 3G wireless applications and Internet access in Newport County, Rhode Island Verizon Wireless has enhanced its local network. Since 2000, the company has invested $2.6 billion into its New England network, including $192 million in 2009, and recently earned recognition from J.D. Power and Associates for "Highest Call Quality Performance among Wireless Cell Phone Users in the Northeast" *.

"Highest Call Quality Performance among Wireless Cell Phone Users in the Northeast"

Consumer Advantages

Recent upgrades to existing 3G cell sites provide increased 3G data capacity in Portsmouth Enhanced 3G data capacity in Newport County lets more customers using notebook computers or smartphones: Download and use cool apps, from mobile social networking platforms to GPS-enabled maps Rapidly browse the web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes, Hollywood gossip and more Work on-the-go with fast file sharing Quickly download and play music favorites from Top 40 to Classical Send emails to friends, family and co-workers with picture and video attachments Download and play vivid 3D games Stream must-see video and customized radio stations

View from Verizon Wireless

"People across Rhode Island are increasingly relying on smartphones and 3G apps to manage their busy lives and stay connected at home or on-the-go," said director for Network Systems Performance for Verizon Wireless, Richard Enright. "The $2.6 billion we've invested into our New England network has kept us ahead of consumer trends, provided our customers a 3G advantage and underscored our belief that any mobile device is only as good as the network it runs on. Proactive and sustained investment has made Verizon Wireless the 3G leader in New England and nationwide."

Harnessing the Capabilities of a Robust 3G Network

Verizon Wireless' 3G network powers many leading mobile multimedia services, including:

Mobile Broadband Internet Access: Notebook computer users can access email, download files and browse the Internet at broadband speed, downloading a one megabyte email attachment – the equivalent of a small PowerPoint® presentation or a large PDF file – in about eight seconds and uploading it in less than 13 seconds. V CAST Video: V CAST multimedia services offer customers the ability to play cutting-edge 3D games and stream video clips straight to their phones, as well as to watch dozens of on-demand videos, including breaking news, weather, sports highlights and the hottest entertainment clips. V CAST Music with Rhapsody: V CAST Music with Rhapsody service combines Verizon Wireless' world-class, over-the-air mobile music service with Rhapsody's leading desktop solution to deliver unlimited access to music.

Sustained Wireless Investment

The company has invested more than $55 billion since its inception to increase the wireless voice and data coverage of its national network and to add new 3G services like Mobile Broadband and V CAST. As the carrier with America's largest and most reliable wireless network, Verizon Wireless cell sites in New England provide 3G wireless data connectivity

Engineering America's Most Reliable Wireless Network

The company's 'America's most reliable wireless network' reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country. By traversing more than one million miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets in high-population areas – the equivalent of two roundtrips to the moon or 40 trips around the world – the test men and women confirm that voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected. Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than three million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NASDAQ and LSE: 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.