Verizon Wireless expands network

Area broadband coverage extends 665 square miles

Friday, December 01, 2006

By WAYNE SMITH

Times Business Editor wayne.smith@htimes.com

Verizon Wireless launched its wireless broadband access service Thursday in Huntsville, giving local customers more than 665 square miles of coverage across North Alabama.

Verizon officials said the company has invested more than $160 million this year to expand and enhance its wireless network across Alabama and Georgia.

The broadband services will give customers access to the latest high-speed business and entertainment services on their wireless phones, laptop computers and other wireless devices while traveling throughout the area.

The cost for current Verizon Wireless customers is about $60 for monthly access and about $80 for those who do not have voice service from the company.

BroadbandAccess is the company's high-speed wireless broadband network geared toward mobile professionals and business customers. It provides average access speeds of 400 to 700 kilobits per second.

Huntsville joins Birmingham and Mobile in the company's broadband network in Alabama.

"Huntsville is the perfect match for this service - a high-tech community that demands speed in communications,'' said Jim McGean, president of the company's Alabama and Georgia region.

The broadband coverage stretches from Huntsville to Decatur and Athens, and north to the Tennessee line.

Greg Heenan, director of data sales for Verizon Wireless, said customers who travel outside a BroadbandAccess coverage area with an EV-DO device will switch seamlessly to Verizon Wireless' existing NationalAccess network in which customers experience average data transmission speeds between 60 and 80 kbps, with bursts up to 144 kbps.

"The broadband wireless service can compare to a user's cable DSL experience,'' Heenan said. "It can be used to improve productivity. It's about access when and where you need it.''

Verizon Wireless announced in September that it would build a high-tech state headquarters in Huntsville, bringing up to 1,300 jobs. The company plans to break ground by year's end, with hiring to begin next summer.



Verizon Wireless expands network Area broadband coverage extends 665 square miles Friday, December 01, 2006 By WAYNE SMITH Times Business Editor wayne.smith@htimes.com Verizon Wireless launched its wireless broadband access service Thursday in Huntsville, giving local customers more than 665 square miles of coverage across North Alabama. Verizon officials said the company has invested more than $160 million this year to expand and enhance its wireless network across Alabama and Georgia. The broadband services will give customers access to the latest high-speed business and entertainment services on their wireless phones, laptop computers and other wireless devices while traveling throughout the area. The cost for current Verizon Wireless customers is about $60 for monthly access and about $80 for those who do not have voice service from the company. BroadbandAccess is the company's high-speed wireless broadband network geared toward mobile professionals and business customers. It provides average access speeds of 400 to 700 kilobits per second. Huntsville joins Birmingham and Mobile in the company's broadband network in Alabama. "Huntsville is the perfect match for this service - a high-tech community that demands speed in communications,'' said Jim McGean, president of the company's Alabama and Georgia region. The broadband coverage stretches from Huntsville to Decatur and Athens, and north to the Tennessee line. Greg Heenan, director of data sales for Verizon Wireless, said customers who travel outside a BroadbandAccess coverage area with an EV-DO device will switch seamlessly to Verizon Wireless' existing NationalAccess network in which customers experience average data transmission speeds between 60 and 80 kbps, with bursts up to 144 kbps. "The broadband wireless service can compare to a user's cable DSL experience,'' Heenan said. "It can be used to improve productivity. It's about access when and where you need it.'' Verizon Wireless announced in September that it would build a high-tech state headquarters in Huntsville, bringing up to 1,300 jobs. The company plans to break ground by year's end, with hiring to begin next summer. © 2006 The Huntsville Times © 2006 al.com All Rights Reserved.