New high-speed cell towers erected around Flemington

By PAMELA SROKA-HOLZMANN
Staff Writer

Wireless calling, text messaging and utilizing the Internet on the Verizon Wireless high-speed 3G network might now be easier and faster for Hunterdon County residents and visitors following the activation of three new cell sites.

David Samberg, a spokesman for the Verizon New York/metro region, said the new cell sites improve network coverage and expand mobile broadband services in the following areas:

· Flemington: Along Route 202 from Barley Sheaf Road to Main Street.

· High Bridge: Along West Main Street near Voorhees State Park.

· West Amwell: Along Brunswick Pike from Hunter Road to Coopers Corner, and from Mount Airy Harbourton to Gullick Roads.

Samberg said customers can now use their wireless devices to send and receive e-mail, text, picture and video messages; view high-quality videos; and access navigator turn-by-turn directions — while enjoying “clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.’ In addition, Verizon representatives have constructed the network around reliability while handling emergencies, such as power outages and unpleasant weather conditions. These network enhancements are part of Verizon Wireless’ multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for the company’s voice and data services, he said.

Verizon Wireless during the first half of 2009 spent $123 million to enhance services and coverage throughout metro New York and New Jersey. Last year, the company spent and $238 million, Samberg said.

The company’s total network investment since 2000 is more than $2.2 billion in the region and over $50 billion nationwide, he said.

During national testing, Samberg said motorists drive more than 90 specially-equipped vehicles on nearly one million miles on the country’s most frequently traveled roadways. Then, participants confirm to Verizon representatives the voice calls and data connections are successful.

For more information on Verizon Wireless, visit www.verizonwireless.com or call 1-800-2-JOIN IN. Follow Verizon on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VzW_NYMetro