NORTH ADAMS -- Verizon Wireless launched its 4G LTE (4th Generation Long Term Evolution) coverage in Pittsfield and 10 other towns in late August, but North Adams residents will have to wait a little longer for the technological upgrade, which allows 4G LTE smart phones, modems and tablets to surf the web up to 10 times faster.
"Throughout the country Verizon Wireless is in the process of overlaying its entire existing 3G network with 4G LTE coverage, which is slated to be complete by the end of 2013," Verizon Wireless spokesman Michael Murphy said recently in an email. "We've been the 4G LTE trailblazers, being first to market in New England and across the country. I believe we are also first to market in Berkshire County, and I think that represents how aggressively we are expanding and deploying 4G LTE technology not only in Massachusetts, but across the region."
He declined to say when North Adams would be included in the wireless company's coverage area, citing the competitive nature of its industry, but did say that "it's fair to say that planning and preparation work continues in that area."
Work has apparently started on the North County upgrade, as the city's Planning Board approved upgrades for a cell tower on the Mohawk Trail during its August meeting.
Murphy said the initial rollout fell to communities along Route 7, which allowed for the greatest stretch of continuous coverage.
"From an engineering
In addition to Pittsfield, the new high speed wireless coverage became available to customers in Adams, Great Barrington, Lanes borough, Lee, Lenox, New Ashford, Rich mond, Stockbridge, West Stockbridge and Williamstown. Additionally, the company rolled out the technology in Bennington and Rutland, Vt.
To reach Jennifer Huberdeau, email
jhuberdeau@thetranscript.com.
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