Verizon Wireless arrives in southwest Missouri

For about a year, the New Jersey-based telecommunications company – a division of Verizon Communications Inc. in New York City has been acquiring property and installing necessary infrastructure to back up its claim as the “nation’s most reliable network.” Verizon Wireless officially announced its expansion today, and local advertisements will begin running next week.

The expansion puts Verizon in the midst of competitors, including heavy hitters Sprint Nextel, Alltel, T-Mobile and AT&T that already are entrenched in Springfield.

Verizon Wireless spokeswoman Cheryl Bini Armbrecht said the new network coverage includes the Springfield metropolitan area, all of Greene County and several surrounding communities, including Branson, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Willard, Battlefield and Hollister. Verizon Wireless customers also should experience seamless coverage along Interstate 44 from Joplin to St. Louis and around Lake of the Ozarks, Armbrecht said.

Previously, Verizon Wireless customers living in or traveling through the Springfield area relied on roaming service, she added.

Next month, Verizon will open its first Springfield store in a retail shopping center under construction at 1155 E. Battlefield Road, at the northwest corner of Battlefield and National Avenue. The carrier also will have a presence in Wal-Mart stores in Branson, Nixa and Marshfield.

See SBJ’s Jan. 28 issue for more about the company’s local presence.[[In-content Ad]]