Verizon completes integration of Alltel in Mahoning Valley

YOUNGSTOWN — Verizon Wireless today announced it has completed the integration of its network with that of Alltel in Mahoning and Trumbull counties and most of Columbiana County to provide customers with clearer reception, fewer dropped calls and more coverage, including stronger in-building coverage.

Verizon Wireless’ voice and high-speed 3G data network combined with that of Alltel creates the largest wireless network footprint in the United States. The integration in this area enables more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones, on the nation’s most reliable wireless network.

Coverage areas directly affected by the network integration include Youngstown, Austintown, Boardman, Howland Corners, Niles and Warren.

“The addition of Alltel’s network to the Verizon Wireless network provides our customers with unmatched coverage in the Youngstown area,” said Roger Tang, president-Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless. “Now our high-speed 3G broadband wireless network is the largest and most reliable in the United States, and network reliability is the No. 1 reason customers choose and stay with Verizon Wireless. We are committed to continuing to perfect our network so that our customers in Ohio know they can depend on us every time they use their wireless devices.”

Verizon Wireless has been preparing to integrate Alltel’s network since completing its purchase of the company 10 months ago. Alltel’s 3G data network has been upgraded to the latest revision of wireless broadband technology to enable faster delivery of data applications, including email and browsing the Internet.

Verizon Wireless’ claim to operate the nation’s most reliable network is supported by third-party testing as well as its team of real-life test men and women, who drive more than 90 specially equipped vehicles more than one million miles annually. They drive on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and streets in high-population areas, based upon U.S. Census counts. Their 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.

Verizon Wireless invests more in its network than any other wireless service provider in the United States. The company has spent more than $50 billion since it was formed--$5.5 billion on average every year--to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. In the first nine months of this year, the company has spent nearly $240 million in its Ohio network.