Verizon Wireless 2010 Michigan Network Spend: $221.3 Million

Verizon Wireless announced Tuesday it invested more than $221.3 million in 2010 to enhance its network in Michigan.

The enhancements included building 45 new cell sites, upgrading equipment on more than 600 existing cell sites to increase coverage and capacity of the company's voice and 3G high-speed wireless network and prepping the backbone of the network for deploying 4G LTE across the state.

"While our company is focused on continuing to build out our 4G network both here in Michigan and nationwide over the next few years, we also remain committed to improving our 3G network that millions of customers rely on every day," said John Granby, president of Verizon Wireless' Michigan-Indiana-Kentucky region. "Customers may use their wireless devices in different ways, but they all have one need in common — a reliable network. Regardless of how Michiganders rely on their wireless devices, whether it's ensuring they can keep in touch with loved ones during a snow storm or they can share their experience at their favorite sporting event via Facebook or Twitter, we will stay ahead of our customers' increasing demands for fast and secure wireless data services."

Since the company was formed in 2000, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $1.6 billion on improvements to its network in Michigan.

The upgrades in 2010 included:

* Forty five new cell sites statewide to improve network coverage and capacity.

* Performance-based equipment at more than 600 cell sites across Michigan, boosting capacity of the company's advanced 3G high-speed wireless network as well as improving its speed and performance.

* In preparation to deploy 4G LTE across Michigan, new equipment was installed across the network, thereby increasing bandwidth to handle more data traffic.

* Permanent backup generators were installed at 71 cell sites to ensure network functionality during times of crisis.

* Temporary cell sites were deployed at various high-profile events to beef up network capacity, so that more customers can concurrently use their wireless devices. The temporary cell sites are fully functional, generator-powered mobile cell sites that enhance wireless capacity in a given area and work especially well at events with large crowds, including Detroit Lions home games at Ford Field (in Detroit); Detroit Tigers home games at Comerica Park (in Detroit); University of Michigan football home games at Michigan Stadium (in Ann Arbor); "The Big Chill At The Big House", an outdoor men's hockey game between rivals University of Michigan and Michigan State University which was held at Michigan Stadium and drew record crowds (in Ann Arbor); and NASCAR races at Michigan International Speedway (in Brooklyn).
 
In Michigan, Verizon Wireless has more than 2,100 employees and 65 company-owned retail locations in more than 50 cities.