HONOLULU, June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless has expanded the nation's largest 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network on the Big Island.  The expanded 4G LTE network enables customers in more parts of the Big Island to use their wireless devices to surf the Web, listen to music, stream live video, take advantage of thousands of applications, and stay in touch with family and friends, all with speeds up to 10 times faster than before.            

Verizon Wireless 4G LTE service is currently available in Hilo, Keaau, Mountain View, and Pahoa. With the network expansion, residents in the following areas have access to the nation's fastest 4G network:

• Kailua-Kona
• Honokohau
• Keauhou
• Kealakekua
• Captain Cook
• South Kohala resorts including Hilton, Marriott, Mauna Lani, and Hapuna
• Waikoloa
• Waikoloa Village

"The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network brings customers blazingly fast wireless data service that covers more than two-thirds of the nation," said Russ Preite, region president for Verizon Wireless.  "With the 4G LTE network, customers can leverage the speed and connectivity through a variety of 4G LTE devices to connect with family, friends and colleagues, and continue to push the boundaries of communication."

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is available to more than two-thirds of the U.S. population in 258 markets across the country and offers more than six times the geographic coverage of its nearest competitor's 4G LTE network.  Verizon Wireless customers looking to experience the nation's fastest 4G network can choose from the largest selection of 4G LTE devices, ranging from tablets, mobile hotspots, smartphones and more, including the new DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC, available in stores and online in the coming weeks.

In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.   

Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for more information about the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network and a list of current markets.   

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 93.0 million retail customers, including 88.0 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 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.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless