Contributed Article

Verizon Wireless recently completed the integration of its network with that of Alltel across Graham County to provide customers with clearer reception, fewer dropped calls and more coverage, including stronger in-building coverage. More customers in Graham County, including Thatcher, and Safford can now use their wireless devices to make calls; send and receive e-mail and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet at broadband speeds; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones — all on the nation’s most reliable wireless network.

Customers in Graham County are encouraged to dial *228, option 2, to update their Verizon Wireless or Alltel-branded handset. The call is toll- and airtime-free. Customers with an Alltel-branded wireless data card should visit a communications store for an update of their data card.

Verizon Wireless has been preparing to integrate Alltel’s network since completing its purchase of the company 11 months ago and follows the branding and billing conversion the company completed in October. Verizon Wireless upgraded and integrated Alltel’s 3G data network to the latest revision of wireless broadband technology to enable faster delivery of data applications, including e-mail and browsing the Internet.

The network upgrade is part of the company’s ongoing investment to keep improving and strengthening the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G wireless network. A side-by-side comparison of 3G network coverage maps shows that Verizon Wireless has more 3G coverage than the three other major carriers.

“The addition of Alltel’s network to the Verizon Wireless network provides our customers with unmatched cell site density and coverage in Graham County,” said Tony Heyman, regional president of Verizon Wireless. “The network is what makes it possible for customers to truly enjoy the features of their devices like making calls, messaging, downloading apps, checking e-mail and surfing the Web. Our focus is on providing the best customer experience, which we know is largely driven by our network, so we will continue investing in our Arizona network to make the experience better every day.”

Verizon Wireless has spent more than $755 million on network enhancements throughout Arizona since 2000, when the company was formed.