TOLEDO, Ohio, July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

WHO: Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's largest 4G LTE network.

WHAT: Verizon Wireless has enhanced (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) network coverage in Toledo, Ohio. 4G LTE empowers Verizon Wireless customers with compatible devices to browse the Web, post status updates and photos, and download files wirelessly at speeds up to 10 times faster than customers on 3G networks.

WHERE: Verizon Wireless debuted its 4G LTE network in Ohio in December 2010. Today, more customers in Toledo, Ohio, near the Westmarket Plaza Shopping Center & Franklin Park Mall, can now experience the speed and capabilities offered through the innovative products and solutions available on Verizon's 4G LTE network.

BACKGROUND: "4G LTE is changing the way customers interact with the world via next-generation apps, devices and solutions--things we couldn't have imagined a few years ago," said Mark Frazier, president-Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless. "We were the first to bring 4G LTE to Ohio in major cities including Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus. By continuing to invest in wireless broadband in Ohio, we're investing in local communities and economies where our customers live, work and play."

Verizon Wireless has the nation's largest 4G LTE network--more than three times larger than any other 4G LTE network. Launched in December 2010, Verizon's 4G LTE network is available in more than 500 markets to 97 percent of the population and covers more than 303 million people in the U.S., including those in areas served by the company's LTE in Rural America partners. Its 4G LTE covers more than 99 percent of the company's 3G network footprint.

In March 2014, Verizon Wireless ranked highest for Overall Performance, Reliability, Data, Call and Text in the first-ever national RootMetrics study. In Ohio, Verizon Wireless came in tops for Call, Text and Reliability. J.D. Power also ranked Verizon Wireless the network quality leader in all six regions, including Ohio's North Central region, in its 2014 Wireless Network Quality Study, Vol. 1.

WHAT'S NEXT: With the most reliable 4G LTE network, the largest footprint, and deployment of its XLTE network, Verizon Wireless is ahead of the competition in terms of quality, coverage and technology. XLTE utilizes Verizon's AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) spectrum, which allows Verizon to deliver significantly increased capacity - at a minimum, doubling the capacity - over its high-speed 4G LTE network. More than half of Verizon's 4G LTE 500-plus markets have been enhanced with XLTE, with more scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The company will continue its network evolution with the introduction of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) this year, providing customers with HD voice and video calling capabilities.

For more news and stories specific to the Verizon Wireless Midwest Area: Visit and subscribe to our blog: http://vzwmidwestarea.com/.

For Verizon Wireless updates on Twitter: Stay in the know about Verizon Wireless news in Ohio by following @VZWErica on Twitter at http://twitter.com/vzwerica.

About Verizon Wireless: Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network. As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 104.6 million retail customers, including 98.6 million retail postpaid customers. Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless