SOUTHFIELD — Since first introducing 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) in parts of metro Detroit inDecember of 2010, Verizon Wireless has expanded the nation’s fastest wireless network to 12 markets and now reaches more than half a million college students on more than 60 campuses statewide.
With Verizon’s 4G LTE wireless technology, on-the-go students at major universities as well as local community and small, private colleges can maximize their academic experience as they head back to campus by:
— Streaming lectures or course content;
— Connecting instantly with professors via social media;
— Registering for classes and searching campus libraries;
— Sharing content via shared tools such as Drop Box;
— Allowing large homework files to be emailed;
— Providing quick access to notes and information to study for tests and complete projects, and;
— Communicating easier and faster with friends and family through video chat.
“College students have a tremendous need to be connected wherever they go on and off campus—both academically and socially,” said John Granby, president–Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region, Verizon Wireless. “Our 4G LTE technology makes it that much easier for students to take advantage of necessary tools that will help them succeed in school.”
Within Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE service area, Verizon customers with 4G LTE-enabled devices can stream video, share music and photos, surf the Web and download files at speeds up to 10 times faster than customers on 3G networks. For businesses utilizing the network, the increasing spread of broadband connectivity provides the most sophisticated wireless capabilities for economic advancement.

“Chimney” cell tower pleases Mackinac Island community

MACKINAC ISLAND — Santa Claus won’t be shimmying down the chimney of one house on Mackinac Island this holiday season, and it’s not because the residents have been naughty. Verizon Wireless worked with the community to erect a cell site that looks like a chimney. The upgraded site, which is housed on the roof of a local residence, boosts coverage and capacity for Island inhabitants and visitors.
“We are all aware of the growing technology needs and demands of the public visiting the Island, and being able to disguise that technology so as not to lose the historic nature and ambiance of Mackinac Island is the ultimate goal,” said Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud. “Mackinac Island is such a unique place, and the City of Mackinac Island greatly appreciates all that Verizon Wireless has done to work with the community while keeping the historic nature of the Island in mind when completing their project.”
The new cell site enables more Verizon Wireless customers to rely on their wireless devices for social networking, Internet browsing, downloading apps and music, exchanging email and text, picture and video messages, watching videos and making calls.
This new cell site is part of Verizon Wireless’ continual effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Michigan. Nationally, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $65 billion since it was formed—$6 billion on average every year—to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. In Michigan, $265 million was invested in the network in 2011.