Verizon expands SWMO 4G network presence

Verizon Wireless today plans to launch its 4G long-term evolution network in 33 southwest Missouri markets and expand coverage in 32 others.

The latest expansion includes 4G coverage in Ash Grove, Blue Eye, Buffalo, Emerald Beach, Rogersville, Shell Knob and Walnut Grove, according to a Verizon news release.

“The continued expansion of our 4G LTE network in southwest Missouri further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide our customers with the highest quality communications technology,” said Brendan Fallis, president of Verizon's Kansas/Missouri region, in the release. He noted Web speeds are up to 10 times faster under Verizon's 4G LTE network.

Basking Ridge, N.J.-based Verizon first launched its 4G LTE service in southwest Missouri in November in Springfield, Branson, Ozark, Nixa, Reeds Spring, Strafford and Willard. The company expanded its area service again in April and June.

Verizon Wireless, which has 93 million retail customers and employs 80,000, is a joint venture of Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (Nasdaq: VOD), the release said.

During the second quarter, Verizon Communications posted earnings of $5.7 billion, compared to $4.9 billion in the same quarter of 2011, according to its latest quarterly financial report released today. As of July 19, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is available to more than 230 million people in 337 markets, the release said.

As of 10:10 a.m., shares of Verizon Communications were trading at $45.20, compared to a 52-week range of $32.28 to $46.41.