Georgians in 2014 will experience faster, more reliable wireless calling, text messaging and Web surfing on the Verizon Wireless network thanks to heavy investments the company made in 2013. Over the course of the past year, the company invested more than $170 million in network enhancements across Georgia. Its total network investment in the state now totals more than $2.25 billion since the company was formed in 2000.

2013 upgrades to the company's network included more than 114 new cell sites, increasing 4G LTE coverage and capacity and allowing Verizon Wireless users to stream video, share music and photos, download files and surf the Web across the state. The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is now more than 99% complete in Georgia after first launching LTE network upgrades in Atlanta and Athens in December 2010. Nationwide, Verizon Wireless now has more than 500 markets with 4G LTE technology, covering more than 97 percent of the U.S. population. The company's 4G network is pure LTE, not a mix of 4G technologies.

"Since our company's inception we have had a relentless focus on providing our customers with the most reliable network possible. The significant investments we made across Georgia in 2013 are evidence of that unwavering commitment. Our 4G LTE network has already revolutionized the way people communicate. It's amazing what people are doing with the network, things that couldn't have been imagined a few years ago. We will continue to stay on the leading edge of wireless technology, giving our customers the best possible wireless experience," said Jonathan LeCompte, president – Georgia/Alabama Region, Verizon Wireless. 

Georgia Highlights

• Dalton saw the highest growth in data usage in 2013.
• More than 523 billion voice and data transmissions and more than 446 billion minutes of airtime were logged on the Verizon Wireless network in Georgia during the 2013.
• Wireless 4G LTE data traffic increased over 144% year-over-year in Georgia.
• More than 540,000 4G LTE connections were completed during the busiest hour of the 2013 St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah.