NEW YORK-With a recent rash of network launches and expansions, Verizon Wireless claims its CDMA2000 1x EV-DO service is now available in more than 50 major metropolitan markets across the country and 33 of the nation’s top 50 markets.
The latest expansion comes ahead of a planned EV-DO launch by rival Sprint Corp., which earlier this year said it planned to begin rolling out its high-speed wireless data service during the second quarter of this year. Sprint added that it planned to offer EV-DO service in 60 markets and cover 130 million pops by early 2006.
The latest Verizon Wireless enhancements include network expansion in the Houston area with the addition of more than 100 upgraded cell sites; a 30 percent increase in network coverage in the Phoenix area; and the expansion of service in the Las Vegas area, including the availability of service in the southern Nevada towns of Laughlin, Primm and Mesquite.
Verizon Wireless noted that it has added EV-DO services to 15 new markets this month alone and is on its way to covering 150 million potential customers by the end of the year.
