Verizon Announces 4G Expansion

On the heels of a major 3G upgrade in north central Connecticut, Verizon announced today an extensive plan to spread its ''4G Long-Term Evolution'' network to more than 40 towns in the state by the end of the year.

North central Connecticut towns designated for the expansion include Vernon, Ellington, Enfield, Manchester, Windsor, Tolland and Suffield. 

Verizon said that, nationwide, about 40 metropolitan areas already have the 4G technology, but by the end of the year, that number will  grow to 145.

"By year’s end, we plan to introduce and extend our 4G LTE network to more than 40 Connecticut cities and towns throughout the greater Fairfield, New Haven and Hartford markets,” Christine Berberich, regional president for Verizon Wireless New England, said.

Verizon said the 4G network will be 10 times faster than the current 3G network.

North central Connecticut has been the target of a number of upgrades. Verizon recently activated a new cell site in Tolland that expands wireless voice and 3G data coverage in Tolland and along the Interstate-84 and Route 31 corridors. According to the Connecticut Siting Council, Tolland has been the target of extensive system upgrades by the company.

Verizon said it bases capital and technical improvement projects on demand for service.

The state council will consider a field between Route 83 and Egypt Road in Ellington on the Somers town line as a possible location for a new tower. Ellington selectmen are holding a public hearing beginning at 7 p.m. on the proposal Wednesday, March 23, at the Town Hall. Verizon is one of the companies that could use the tower that is being proposed by SBA Network Services.

Verizon Wireless said it has invested more than $2.8 billion into its New England network since 2000, including more than $242 million in 2010 alone.