About Verizon Wireless
Who We Are
Powerful technology. Our record speaks for itself: The nation’s largest 4G LTE network. America’s first nationwide 3G wireless broadband network. Verizon Wireless consistently delivers the most advanced wireless technology available.
Technology innovators. Our innovative solutions are changing the mobile landscape, revolutionizing the way people interact with it and raising everyone’s expectations of what it can be done. What seemed impossible yesterday is the way we live today. Imagine what we’ll do tomorrow.
Change agents. Our investment in people and commitment to technology drive positive change in the communities we serve. Through our core initiatives we work to improve the lives of domestic violence victims, prioritize accessibility and take steps to ensure a sustainable future.
Award winners. The network. Technology. Innovation. Leadership. Corporate citizenship. Diversity. Customer care. We’re proud to be recognized for those efforts as well as the privilege of improving the lives of the people and communities we serve.
Fast Facts
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98.9 million
retail connections
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73,800
employees
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1,900+
company-operated retail locations in the U.S.
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$75.9 billion
annual revenue in 2012
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4G LTE
Largest 4G LTE network in the U.S.
Our Timeline
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April 4, 2000
Verizon Wireless Begins Operations
In 2000, Vodafone AirTouch and Bell Atlantic Corp. received regulatory approval to combine their U.S. wireless assets, Bell Atlantic Mobile and AirTouch Communications. This $90-billion joint venture began operations as Verizon Wireless on April 4, 2000. -
July 2000
Verizon Wireless Acquires GTE Wireless
On June 30, 2000, Verizon Wireless acquired GTE Wireless' assets in connection with the Bell Atlantic-GTE merger that formed Verizon Communications. This made Verizon Wireless the largest wireless communications provider in the United States.
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2001
HopeLine® Phone Donation & Recycling Launches
In 2001, Verizon Wireless launched the HopeLine national cell phone recycling and re-use program. HopeLine puts mobile technology and the power of our network to work in communities by supporting victims of domestic violence, and at the same time, protecting the environment. Since 2001, HopeLine has collected more than 9 million phones and provided more than $14.2 million in cash grants for domestic violence organizations nationwide.
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2002
Verizon Wireless Launches the 3G Network
In 2002, Verizon Wireless launched a 3G (third generation) EV-DO network in the United States. This revolutionary technological advancement gave wireless customers the power of high-speed wireless broadband to surf the web, stream music and videos, and download and send files from their mobile device.
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2008
Rural Cellular Acquisitions
On August 7, 2008, Verizon Wireless acquired Rural Cellular Corporation, further expanding network access nationwide.
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January 9, 2009
Verizon Wireless Acquires Alltel
On January 9, 2009, Verizon Wireless acquired Alltel Wireless, making Verizon Wireless the largest wireless company in the United States once again -
October 6, 2009
Partnership with Google Leverages Android Mobile Platform
On October 6, 2009, Verizon Wireless and Google™ announced a strategic partnership to develop mobile applications, services and devices under the DROID brand. This enabled Verizon Wireless to offer consumers an array of innovative products that combined the speed of its 3G network with the Android™ mobile platform.
DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license.
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2010
Verizon Launches LTE in Rural America Program
In June 2010, Verizon Wireless introduced its LTE in Rural America Program to accelerate the rollout and adoption of 4G LTE services in rural areas. As part of the program, partner companies can lease spectrum from Verizon Wireless and offer 4G LTE services to their customers quickly and economically. -
2010
Verizon Wireless Deploys 4G LTE
Verizon Wireless launched the nation’s first wide-area 4G LTE network in December 2010, starting in 39 major markets and covering more than 110 million people with 4G LTE that day.
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2011
Innovation Centers Open in Waltham and San Francisco
In July and August of 2011, Verizon Wireless opened the Verizon Innovation Centers in Waltham, Mass., and San Francisco, Calif. Verizon Innovation Centers provide the environment and infrastructure for innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry game-changers who are working to harness the power of the 4G LTE network to develop and bring new products to market.
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About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is an innovative wireless communications company that connects people and businesses with the most advanced wireless technology and service available.
Our company launched the nation’s first 3G wireless broadband network. We were also the first tier-one wireless provider in the nation to build and operate a 4G LTE network. With 4G LTE, our customers can access the Internet and stream media faster than ever—and experience their mobile world in real-time.
As the nation’s largest wireless company, we serve 98.9 million retail connections and operate more than 1,900 retail locations in the United States. Globally, we offer voice and data services in more than 200 destinations.
Founded in 2000 as a joint venture of Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ) and Vodafone (NASDAQ, LSE: VOD), Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J.
About Verizon Communications
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), which holds 55% ownership of Verizon Wireless, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers.
Learn More About Verizon Communications >
About Vodafone
Vodafone (NASDAQ, LSE: VOD) is the largest mobile telecommunications provider in the western hemisphere and holds 45% ownership of Verizon Wireless. Vodafone operates in more than 30 countries and partners with networks in over 50 more.
Learn More About Vodafone >
