REGION

REGION

Verizon Wireless adds cell sites to improve coverage

YOUNGSTOWN — Verizon Wireless has activated three new cell sites in Mahoning County that improve its network coverage in portions of Youngstown, Austintown and Smith Township. The new cell sites are part of Verizon Wireless’ effort to expand coverage and increase capacity throughout the country.

NATION

Blockbuster plans in-store movie downloading kiosks

NEW YORK — Blockbuster Inc. unveiled a prototype of an in-store kiosk for downloading movies at its annual meeting on Wednesday, part of its plan to transform into more than just a DVD rental chain.

Blockbuster’s proposed takeover of electronics retailer Circuit City Stores Inc. for just over $1 billion was only mentioned briefly during the meeting.

The sleek prototype kiosk unveiled Wednesday is just one way that Blockbuster is looking to deliver movies digitally. The design, which Keyes said is likely to change with testing, offers a range of features to help customers make movie choices, including previews and recommendations. Keyes said the company is working to reduce the download time for movies to about 30 seconds.

From Vindicator staff and wire reports