SEQUIM — Verizon Wireless has completed upgrades, including a new cell tower and antennas on the city’s north side, that expands 3G wireless coverage to satisfy growing consumer demand for smartphones and tablet devices.
Verizon representatives said calling, text messaging and surfing the Web on the Verizon Wireless high-speed 3G network is now easier and faster for residents and travelers in Sequim as a result of the improvements.
The upgrade expands 3G wireless coverage and capacity in Clallam County along roads including Sequim-Dungeness Way, Old Olympic Way, Cays Road and Marine Drive.
“The new cell site delivers additional square miles of wireless coverage in the Sequim area,” said Verizon Wireless spokesman Scott Charlston.
“The tower and antennas at the site are key components in the wireless-signal transmission process that, along with a network of other sites and switching facilities, delivers quality voice and data communications. Data traffic includes Internet, video, music, email and text activity.”
The Sequim-area, Charlston said, is experiencing growing demand for wireless devices.
Charlston said Verizon Wireless recently launched its 4G Long Term Evolution wireless services in 38 markets and 60 commercial airports across the U.S., including Seattle, and has committed to launch Portland-Vancouver and 139 additional markets during 2011, covering two-thirds of all Americans by the end of the year.
Greater speed
He said 4G LTE offers customers who live, work or travel in these markets significantly greater speed and capabilities than the most advanced 3G coverage.
The company will continue to improve network quality and performance, he said.
“We’re continually evaluating. We’re still adding 3G cells sites, but at same time, we’re developing 4G,” Charlston said.
“As we add 4G service, we’re still developing 3G.”
The company’s network investment in Washington state now totals more than $1.21 billion, including $114 million in 2010, Charlston said.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.