Verizon Wireless upgrading data network in Southern Tier

Verizon Wireless plans to roll out faster data-network coverage in the Binghamton, Elmira, and Corning areas June 21.

The wireless provider will bring its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) high-speed data network online in the Binghamton, Elmira, Corning, Ashland, Avoca, Bath, Big Flats, Canisteo, Endicott, Hornell, Owego, Presho, Vestal, and Waverly areas.

The network, which provides data for smartphones, tablet computers, notebook computers, laptop modems, and mobile hotspots, will also be available along parts of the Interstate 81, Interstate 86, and Interstate 88 corridors.

“By bringing true fourth-generation wireless technology to the area, we continue to lead the way with 4G LTE by giving our local consumer and business customers the ability to enjoy a much more powerful and robust wireless data experience,” Verizon Wireless Upstate New York Region President Chris Felix said in a news release. “That will translate into greater productivity, expanded business opportunities, and exciting new entertainment options.”

The company predicts users on the 4G LTE network will experience average downlink data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second and average uplink data rates of 2 to 5 megabits per second.

Verizon’s 4G LTE network is currently available in 258 markets across the country, including Syracuse and Utica–Rome. Verizon Wireless expects to deploy the network technology nationwide by the end of 2013.

Verizon Wireless, headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., employs 80,000 people nationwide and has 93 million retail customers. It is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (NASDAQ: VOD).

Contact Seltzer at rseltzer@tgbbj.com