TAMPA, Fla., March 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- While Major League power hitters work out across Florida and Spring Training 2015 has hit full stride, the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is putting on a show of speed and strength of its own for Grapefruit League fans throughout the state.

Since last year's exhibition season, Verizon has rapidly expanded its newest XLTE network technology in Florida.  Engineers have activated hundreds of XLTE sites across the state to boost 4G LTE wireless services for residents and the millions of visitors who come to enjoy the balmy weather, beaches, ballgames and more.

XLTE technology is particularly effective in boosting wireless network performance in settings with a concentrated group of high-data demand customers, such as stadiums, downtowns and other densely-populated locations.

XLTE utilizes Verizon's AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) spectrum, which allows Verizon to deliver significantly increased capacity – at a minimum, doubling the capacity – over its high-speed 4G LTE network.

Verizon 4G LTE comprises 100% of the company's network footprint in Florida, covering 99.8 percent of the state's population with the advanced technology.  This includes the full lineup of Spring Training sites:

• McKechnie Field in Bradenton (Pirates)
• Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater (Phillies)
• Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin (Blue Jays)
• Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers (Red Sox)
• Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee (Astros)
• Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers (Twins)
• Champion Stadium in Lake Buena Vista (Braves)
• Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland (Tigers)
• Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota (Orioles)
• George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa (Yankees)
• Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter (Marlins and Cardinals)
• Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie (Mets)
• Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte (Rays)
• Space Coast Stadium in Viera (Nationals)

"Spring Training crowds are some of the most serious baseball fans, and often are power users of wireless technology," said Frank Wise, executive director-Network for Verizon Wireless Florida.  "If they're looking up stats and highlights on their phones, or sharing  pictures and videos of their favorite players working out, we're going to make sure they enjoy a major-league wireless experience."

The company's network investment over the past year in Florida has been almost $300 million to enhance these advanced technologies and services to customers.

For more information on Verizon 4G LTE network, visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network.  As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 108.2 million retail customers, including 102.1 million retail postpaid customers.  Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews. 

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SOURCE Verizon Wireless