MONROE, Mich. —Verizon Wireless, owner of America’s largest 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, is expanding its 4G LTE service to most of Monroe County, allowing businesses and residents to tap into the nation’s fastest wireless network that now covers roughly 4 out of 5 people in 410 markets across the U.S.
To celebrate the launch of 4G LTE in Monroe, Verizon Wireless will donate $4,000 to Family Counseling and Shelter Services, which provides advocacy, safety options and support services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The gift was made possible by HopeLine® from Verizon, which converts no-longer used wireless phones into support for survivors of domestic violence.
"Now more than ever, domestic violence survivors and victims of abuse need access to our services," said Kathryn K. Slusher, executive director of Family Counseling Shelter Services of Monroe County. “This generous donation from Verizon Wireless will help FCSS continue to advance its mission of empowering people to create violence-free communities."
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 downloadfiles at speeds up to 10 times faster than customers on 3G networks. For businesses using the network, the increasing spread of broadband connectivity provides the most sophisticated wireless capabilities for economic advancement.
 “Not only is Verizon improving access to the latest technology, but the company is also proving itself a valuable member of our communities through its generous contributions to local organizations and our universities,” said Michigan Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville. “Verizon’s investment of $2 billion over the course of the past 12 years has made it possible for Michigan citizens from the Upper Peninsula all the waydown to my hometown of Monroe to have access to better and new technologies. Verizon’s continued investment in our state is yet another example of the economic progress being made in Michigan.”
Verizon first introduced its 4G LTE network in Michigan in late 2010 to parts of Oakland and Macomb counties. Since then, the company has expanded its 4G LTE network to include the following markets:  Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Bay City, Flint, Grand Rapids, Houghton, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, metro Detroit, Midland, Mt. Pleasant, Muskegon, Port Huron, Saginaw and Traverse City. The company plans to offer full nationwide coverage everywhere it has 3G coverage today by the end of 2013.
“We won’t let up on our commitment to expand and enhance our 4G LTE network to reach customers across Michigan and the country,” said John Granby, president–Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region, Verizon Wireless. “With the introduction of our 4G LTE network in Monroe, customers and local businesses will be able to take advantage of the innovative products and services made possible by 4G LTE technology.”
For more information about Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte.