HONOLULU, Dec. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling, downloading apps and surfing the web on the Verizon Wireless network is now easier and faster for residents and travelers on the Big Island thanks to cell sites introduced this year in Na'alehu, Glenwood, Keauhou, Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua, Captain Cook, areas in Waikoloa, Pepe'ekeo, Volcano, Waimea, Pahoa, Hilo, Honoka'a, Pa'auilo, Ninole, Miloli'i, Saddle Road and Hawi. The cell sites have improved either 4G LTE or 3G coverage and capacity in the following areas:

• 4G LTE cell sites: Keauhou, Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua, Captain Cook, areas in Waikoloa, Pepe'ekeo, Volcano, Waimea, Pahoa, Honoka'a, Nīnole, Miloli'i, Saddle Road, Hawi, Na'alehu and the Hilo Medical Center area
• 3G cell sites: Na'alehu, Glenwood, Pahoa, Hilo and Honoka'a

Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network is now available in more than 470 markets across the country, surpassing its previously announced goal of providing its mobile broadband service in 400 markets by the end of 2012. Additional markets are planned for 2012, with 4G LTE coverage of the entire 3G network footprint planned for the end of 2013.

The network upgrade is part of the company's ongoing investment to keep improving and strengthening the nation's largest and most reliable wireless network.

Verizon Wireless on Twitter

To stay up-to-date on Verizon Wireless news in Northern California, Northern Nevada and Hawai'i, follow @VZWheidi on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWheidi.

For the latest network-related news, information and upgrades follow @VZWNews on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 96 million retail customers, including 90.4 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 75,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless