Each week, we share a collection of Verizon news and stories from your neighborhood that you may have missed in the past week. Here’s what’s new with Verizon in the Midwest from the week of May 7.
MICHIGAN / INDIANA / KENTUCKY REGION
What is 4G? The search for a new cell phone begins – Red Zone Writing – Indiana (May 8, 2012)
I need a new cell phone. I’m not particularly happy about that, though, because shopping for cell phones is scary. They can cost a lot of money, I’m committed for two years, and I know just enough about technology to be dangerous, but not enough to be an educated shopper without a considerable amount of research. My current phone–a Motorola Droid X–is eligible for an upgrade at the end of June, so in order to be ready for that event, I need to start my research now.
Meet the first ‘extended-life’ smartphone – Observer & Eccentric – Michigan (May 10, 2012)
One of the biggest drawbacks about popular smartphones is the best models never seem to keep their battery life when you need it. Even the function the devices were made for (phone calls) drain the life out of the sophisticated batteries in many of the best smartphones. The new Droid Razr Maxx — the first extended battery life smartphone — aims to change the annoying dying battery trend. The thin, light smartphone is an advanced take on the Razr flip phones that many cell phone users owned before the smartphone craze.
ILLINOIS / WISCONSIN REGION
Smartphones make life easier – WSBT-TV – South Bend, IN (May 7, 2012)
Cell phones have come a long way since Zack Morris used his Motorola DynaTAC to prank Principal Belding on the TV show Saved by the Bell. “I started out with one of those bag phones that you carried, just like Saved By the Bell,” said Debbie Granzo. “Then I’ve just progressed every couple of years I change over.” Granzo has watched the evolution from the brick-like cell phone to the sleek Smartphone. “This is my first touch-screen one, very excited about it,” she said. “I feel like I’m the old lady in the new age now.” “It’s amazing to think you get everything instantly now where before being able to make a call was impressive,” said Mishawaka Verizon store manager Nic Bontrager. Phone companies have noticed people are using their cell phones less as a phone because they’re more than a phone. “We’ve seen minute usage go down quite a bit,” said Bontrager. “But text messaging, data usage, things like that when you’re connecting onto the internet [have increased].”
RootMetrics: Verizon top wireless carrier in Chicago – www.chicagotribune.com – Chicago, IL (May 8, 2012)
Verizon Wireless provides the best overall performance among major wireless carriers in Chicago, according to a new report issued Tuesday by RootMetrics… Verizon ranked first in data performance and call performance, giving it the highest overall score. AT&T topped the list for text performance and ranked second overall, followed by T-Mobile, Cricket and Sprint.
KANSAS / MISSOURI REGION
Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Fosters Growth and Innovation – KFVS12 – Missouri/Illinois (May 7, 2012)
In just 18 months, Verizon Wireless has introduced the nation’s largest 4G LTE network with coverage now available to more than two-thirds of the U.S. population in 230 markets across the country. “The rapid deployment of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is a testament to the right technology, our strong partnerships and our determination to create an ecosystem for developing the best and most innovative products and solutions for our customers,” said David Small, chief technical officer of Verizon Wireless.
Verizon Workshops Scheduled In Greater Springfield MO Area - News-Leader.com – Missouri (May 7-11, 2012)
Attend this workshop and learn the basics of your new Android Device. We will review hardware functions, show you how to set up email, add your social network accounts, master device features, how to customize your device, and much more!
OHIO / WEST VIRGINIA / PENNSYLVANIA REGION
Verizon to expand 4G network – The Lima News – Lima, OH (May 7, 2012)
Verizon Wireless will expand its 4G Long Term Evolution network in the Lima area on May 17, the company announced Monday. The expanded network will allow customers to use wireless devices in more parts of the area to access the Internet faster, listen to music or watch video and use thousands of applications with speeds up to 10 times faster than before.
Best of CTIA 2012 – Gotta Be Mobile – Ohio (May 10, 2012)
The spring unveiling of new smartphones, services and gadgets known as CTIA is coming to a close. From phones you can buy in as little as a few weeks to technologies that will make their ways into the next generation of smartphones and a new fast Internet connection for homes without access to cable, this is the Best of CTIA 2012. Our list includes products consumers will buy directly and products that will make their ways into the smartphones of tomorrow. Best of Show – Verizon HomeFusion 4G LTE Broadband…
GREAT PLAINS REGION
Verizon offers high-speed in-home Internet access – SouthwestIowaNews.com – Iowa (May 7, 2012)
Dial-up networks could be in trouble. Verizon Wireless recently announced that HomeFusion Broadband, a service that provides high-speed in-home Internet access using their 4G LTE network, is now available throughout the country. HomeFusion Broadband offers customers an alternative for residential broadband, especially in areas with limited broadband choices.
Verizon adding 4G to Dickinson, Williston – Bismarck Tribune – Bismarck, ND (May 9, 2012)
Verizon Wireless’s 4G Long Term Evolution network will be available in and around Dickinson and Williston starting May 17.
The new network will cover Dickinson, north of Dickinson on Highway 22 to 30th Street; south to 50th Avenue, east along Interstate 94 to Richardton, west to mile marker 53 and in Taylor. Coverage also will be available in Williston, north of town along Highway 85 to Highway 2, south to Alexander, along Highway 2 to Ray, and in Etting and Tioga.
For more Verizon Wireless news specific to the Midwest region, subscribe via RSS to news by state. Or, subscribe to the entire Verizon Midwest blog via RSS, or by entering your email along the left side of the blog.
