Verizon Wireless Investment Boosts 3G Network Capacity In Windham County, Vermont Tweet

LONDONDERRY, VT — To continue to stay ahead of rising demand for 3G wireless applications and Internet access in Windham County, Vermont, Verizon Wireless has enhanced its local network. Since 2000, the company has invested $2.6 billion into its New England network, including $192 million in 2009, and recently earned recognition from J.D. Power and Associates for “Highest Call Quality Performance among Wireless Cell Phone Users in the Northeast.”*

Consumer Advantages

* Recent upgrades to existing 3G cell sites provide increased 3G data capacity at:
o Magic Mountain Ski Area in Londonderry
o Mount Snow Ski Resort in West Dover
o Stratton Mountain Ski Resort in Stratton

* Enhanced 3G data capacity in Windham County lets more customers using notebook computers or smartphones:
o Download and use cool apps, from mobile social networking platforms to GPS-enabled maps
o Rapidly browse the Web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes, Hollywood gossip and more
o Work on-the-go with fast file sharing
o Quickly download and play music favorites from Top 40 to Classical
o Send e-mails to friends, family and co-workers with picture and video attachments
o Download and play vivid 3D games
o Stream must-see video and customized radio stations

View from Verizon Wireless
“People across Vermont are increasingly relying on smartphones and 3G apps to manage their busy lives and stay connected at home or on the go,” said director for Network Systems Performance for Verizon Wireless, Richard Enright. “The $2.6 billion we’ve invested into our New England network has kept us ahead of consumer trends, provided our customers a 3G advantage and underscored our belief that any mobile device is only as good as the network it runs on. Proactive and sustained investment has made Verizon Wireless the 3G leader in New England and nationwide.”

Harnessing the Capabilities of a Robust 3G Network
Verizon Wireless’ 3G network powers many leading mobile multimedia services, including:

* Mobile Broadband Internet Access: Notebook computer users can access e-mail, download files and browse the Internet at broadband speed, downloading a one megabyte e-mail attachment – the equivalent of a small PowerPoint® presentation or a large PDF file – in about eight seconds and uploading it in less than 13 seconds.
* V CAST Video: V CAST multimedia services offer customers the ability to play cutting-edge 3D games and stream video clips straight to their phones, as well as to watch dozens of on-demand videos, including breaking news, weather, sports highlights and the hottest entertainment clips.
* V CAST Music with Rhapsody: V CAST Music with Rhapsody service combines Verizon Wireless’ world-class, over-the-air mobile music service with Rhapsody’s leading desktop solution to deliver unlimited access to music.

Sustained Wireless Investment
The company has invested more than $55 billion since its inception to increase the wireless voice and data coverage of its national network and to add new 3G services like Mobile Broadband and V CAST. As the carrier with America’s largest and most reliable wireless network, Verizon Wireless cell sites in New England provide 3G wireless data connectivity

Engineering America’s Most Reliable Wireless Network
The company’s ‘America’s most reliable wireless network’ reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country. By traversing more than one million miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets in high-population areas – the equivalent of two roundtrips to the moon or 40 trips around the world – the test men and women confirm that voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected. Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 3.5 million voice call attempts and more than 19 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless’ network and the networks of other carriers.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Labels:

Verizon Wireless Investment Boosts 3G Network Capacity In Hampden County, Massachusetts Tweet

WESTFIELD, MA — To continue to stay ahead of rising demand for 3G wireless applications and Internet access in Hampden County, Massachusetts, Verizon Wireless has enhanced its local network. Since 2000, the company has invested $2.6 billion into its New England network, including $192 million in 2009, and recently earned recognition from J.D. Power and Associates for “Highest Call Quality Performance among Wireless Cell Phone Users in the Northeast.”*

Consumer Advantages

* Recent upgrades to existing 3G cell sites provide increased 3G data capacity in:
o Blandford
o Chicopee
o Granville
o Holyoke
o Ludlow
o Monson
o Palmer
o Westfield
o Wilbraham
* Enhanced 3G data capacity in Hampden County lets more customers using notebook computers or smartphones:
o Download and use cool apps, from mobile social networking platforms to GPS-enabled maps
o Rapidly browse the Web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes, Hollywood gossip and more
o Work on the go with fast file sharing
o Quickly download and play music favorites from Top 40 to Classical
o Send e-mails to friends, family and co-workers with picture and video attachments
o Download and play vivid 3D games
o Stream must-see video and customized radio stations

View from Verizon Wireless
“People across Massachusetts are increasingly relying on smartphones and 3G apps to manage their busy lives and stay connected at home or on the go,” said director for Network Systems Performance for Verizon Wireless, Richard Enright. “The $2.6 billion we’ve invested into our New England network has kept us ahead of consumer trends, provided our customers a 3G advantage and underscored our belief that any mobile device is only as good as the network it runs on. Proactive and sustained investment has made Verizon Wireless the 3G leader in New England and nationwide.”

Harnessing the Capabilities of a Robust 3G Network
Verizon Wireless’ 3G network powers many leading mobile multimedia services, including:

* Mobile Broadband Internet Access: Notebook computer users can access e-mail, download files and browse the Internet at broadband speed, downloading a one megabyte e-mail attachment – the equivalent of a small PowerPoint® presentation or a large PDF file – in about eight seconds and uploading it in less than 13 seconds.
* V CAST Video: V CAST multimedia services offer customers the ability to play cutting-edge 3D games and stream video clips straight to their phones, as well as to watch dozens of on-demand videos, including breaking news, weather, sports highlights and the hottest entertainment clips.
* V CAST Music with Rhapsody: V CAST Music with Rhapsody service combines Verizon Wireless’ world-class, over-the-air mobile music service with Rhapsody’s leading desktop solution to deliver unlimited access to music.

Sustained Wireless Investment
The company has invested more than $55 billion since its inception to increase the wireless voice and data coverage of its national network and to add new 3G services like Mobile Broadband and V CAST. As the carrier with America's largest and most reliable wireless network, Verizon Wireless cell sites in New England provide 3G wireless data connectivity.

Engineering America’s Most Reliable Wireless Network
The company’s ‘America’s most reliable wireless network’ reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country. By traversing more than one million miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets in high-population areas – the equivalent of two roundtrips to the moon or 40 trips around the world – the test men and women confirm that voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected. Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 3.5 million voice call attempts and more than 19 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.

Labels:

Traditional Hawaiian Blessing This Saturday At New Verizon Wireless Kapolei, Hawaii, Store Tweet

New Verizon Wireless store in Kapolei is one of the first in the industry to seek LEED® certification for green store design and construction.

HONOLULU, HI — Wireless users in Kapolei who are looking to get hands-on experience with cutting-edge voice, data, music and video devices have a new place to call home.

This Saturday, Verizon Wireless will officially open its new “evolution” Communications Store in Kapolei with a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony and lei untying with Kahu William Kaina. The ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a live radio remote with KDNN 98.5 FM from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. As a part of the Kapolei store grand opening, from April 9 through April 22, customers can receive $50 off any phone, netbook or MiFi 2200 purchased at the Verizon Wireless Kapolei store.

The Kapolei store is one of the first in the nation to seek LEED® certification. The store offers consumers hands-on interaction with wireless voice, data, music and video services in a sleek, new full-service environment. The new store is located at 4450 Kapolei Parkway, Building C in Kapolei.

Wireless customers can sample a wide array of 55 fully-activated new phones and devices first hand for a total wireless experience. What’s more, data users can learn how to stay connected in more places with Mobile Broadband; learn about MiFi 2200 (your own personal Wi-Fi hotspot); experience the new netbooks; and find out about smartphone platforms including RIM, Android™, Windows Mobile®, and Palm®.

LEED® Certification
The new Kapolei store is among the first Verizon Wireless retail locations in the nation to apply for LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

The store’s design optimizes water and energy use, enhances indoor environmental quality and reduces waste through specifications and responsible procurement and construction practices. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

“Our new, green store in the Kapolei Commons provides plenty of space for both shopping and customer service, in keeping with our commitment to deliver innovative voice and data plans, exciting new devices and services and the best possible wireless experience,” said Kelley Kurtzman, Verizon Wireless region president.

Learn more about Verizon Wireless’ company-wide “green” initiatives at http://aboutus.vzw.com/Green_Initiative/overview.html.

In addition to these green features, our new Kapolei store includes the following convenience features:

* Interactive “demo zone” guided by knowledgeable staff
* Integrated systems and operational enhancements designed to streamline the sales process and increase customer satisfaction
* Check-in kiosk enables customers to sign in on arrival and stay informed via monitors that track their place in the queue for service
* Roomy and easy-to-locate technical assistance and customer support areas with interactive displays

Verizon Wireless regularly invests in its wireless network to provide customers with the reliable, high-quality service they expect from the company. Verizon Wireless’ ongoing network investment now totals more than $55 billion nationally over the past ten years.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About LEED®
The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED® and related logo is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used by permission.

About USGBC
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) non profit composed of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings and communities that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. The U.S. Green Building Council developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System.

Labels:

Verizon Wireless Expands 3G Network Coverage In Herkimer County, New York Tweet

• Improves coverage and capacity in Schuyler
• Provides access to 3G wireless broadband service
• Meet one of Upstate New York’s local Test Men, Jack Brandes

SYRACUSE, NY — Verizon Wireless is investing in Herkimer County and expanding its local coverage with a new cell site in Schuyler. The new site improves coverage and capacity in the following locations:

* Interstate 90 from Exit 30 to Exit 31
* Portions of Northeast Utica
* State Route 5 between Trenton Road and County Road 53
* State Route 5S between Culver Ave. and County Road 96.

This network expansion is part of the company’s aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless’ voice and data services. The company has invested more than $50 billion nationwide since it was formed – $5.5 billion on average every year – and invested more than $100 million in Upstate New York in 2009.

“We’ve always believed even the most advanced device is only as good as the network it runs on. We continue to aggressively invest in our Upstate New York network to increase coverage and capacity for our customers, add new services, and maintain our 3G network leadership,” said Gene Fassett, executive director of Network for Verizon Wireless’ Upstate New York Region.

Verizon Wireless recently earned recognition from J.D. Power and Associates for “Highest Call Quality Performance among Wireless Cell Phone Users in the Northeast.”

Services include wireless data services such as picture messaging, text messaging, V CAST and V CAST Music with Rhapsody, and Mobile Broadband, the company’s high-speed wireless broadband network geared toward mobile professionals and business customers. It provides average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second, and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps.

Strong demand for Verizon Wireless’ services continued during the fourth quarter of 2009 as the company added 2.2 million net new customers.

The company’s “nation’s most reliable wireless network” reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and women throughout the country. These engineers drive 100 specially equipped vehicles more than 1 million miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets. Test vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 3.5 million voice call attempts and more than 19 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless’ network and the networks of other carriers.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

Labels:

Verizon Wireless Investment Boosts 3G Network Capacity In Rockingham County, New Hampshire Tweet

LONDONDERRY, NH — To continue to stay ahead of rising demand for 3G wireless applications and Internet access in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, Verizon Wireless has enhanced its local network. Since 2000, the company has invested $2.6 billion into its New England network, including $192 million in 2009, and recently earned recognition from J.D. Power and Associates for “Highest Call Quality Performance among Wireless Cell Phone Users in the Northeast.” *

Consumer Advantages

* Recent upgrades to existing 3G cell sites provide increased 3G data capacity in:
o Londonderry
o Windham
* Enhanced 3G data capacity in Rockingham County lets more customers using notebook computers or smartphones:
o Download and use cool apps, from mobile social networking platforms to GPS-enabled maps
o Rapidly browse the Web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes, Hollywood gossip and more
o Work on-the-go with fast file sharing
o Quickly download and play music favorites from Top 40 to Classical
o Send e-mails to friends, family and co-workers with picture and video attachments
o Download and play vivid 3D games
o Stream must-see video and customized radio stations

View from Verizon Wireless
“People across New Hampshire are increasingly relying on smartphones and 3G apps to manage their busy lives and stay connected at home or on-the-go,” said director for Network Systems Performance for Verizon Wireless, Richard Enright. “The $2.6 billion we’ve invested into our New England network has kept us ahead of consumer trends, provided our customers a 3G advantage and underscored our belief that any mobile device is only as good as the network it runs on. Proactive and sustained investment has made Verizon Wireless the 3G leader in New England and nationwide.”

Harnessing the Capabilities of a Robust 3G Network
Verizon Wireless’ 3G network powers many leading mobile multimedia services, including:

* Mobile Broadband Internet Access: Notebook computer users can access e-mail, download files and browse the Internet at broadband speed, downloading a one megabyte e-mail attachment – the equivalent of a small PowerPoint® presentation or a large PDF file – in about eight seconds and uploading it in less than 13 seconds.
* V CAST Video: V CAST multimedia services offer customers the ability to play cutting-edge 3D games and stream video clips straight to their phones, as well as to watch dozens of on-demand videos, including breaking news, weather, sports highlights and the hottest entertainment clips.
* V CAST Music with Rhapsody: V CAST Music with Rhapsody service combines Verizon Wireless’ world-class, over-the-air mobile music service with Rhapsody’s leading desktop solution to deliver unlimited access to music.

Sustained Wireless Investment
The company has invested more than $55 billion since its inception to increase the wireless voice and data coverage of its national network and to add new 3G services like Mobile Broadband and V CAST. As the carrier with America’s largest and most reliable wireless network, Verizon Wireless cell sites in New England provide 3G wireless data connectivity.

Engineering America’s Most Reliable Wireless Network
The company’s ‘America’s most reliable wireless network’ reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country. By traversing more than one million miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets in high-population areas – the equivalent of two roundtrips to the moon or 40 trips around the world – the test men and women confirm that voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected. Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 3.5 million voice call attempts and more than 19 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless’ network and the networks of other carriers.

Labels:

Faris Yakob joins MDC Partners as Chief Innovation Officer Tweet

Will Work Closely with MDC Agencies on Strategic Initiatives.

NEW YORK - MDC Partners Inc. announced that they have hired Faris Yakob as Chief Innovation Officer for the network. In his new position, he will work closely with all of MDC's agencies including kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners, Vitro Robertson, Redscout and Colle + McVoy, taking an inspirational leadership role. He will draw on technology, culture and academia to help deliver innovative solutions for clients. He will be working alongside planners and creatives, developing strategic initiatives and processes. Faris will seek out a broad range of new opportunities for clients, agency partners and the network as a whole. He will also write, blog, and speak about the industry.

Prior to joining MDC Partners, Faris was EVP, Chief Technology Strategist at McCann Erickson NY, where he helped clients develop digital strategies and ideas. During his tenure, he helped Kohl's engage its customers on Facebook and gain 1 million plus fans, as well as concepted and developed the Nikon Twitter Film Festival. Before McCann, he spent five years as the Digital Ninja at groundbreaking agency Naked Communications, where he worked on the Sony, Google, Yahoo, Nestle, Nokia, and Coca-Cola accounts in Sydney, London and New York.

Faris writes about brands, media, communications, and technology for a number of publications including the Financial Times, Fast Company, Forbes, and Contagious, as well as a number of advertising and marketing trade publications. He writes a blog called "Talent Imitates, Genius Steals", which Campaign named as one of the top ten advertising blogs in the UK, and is one of the top advertising planning blogs in the world. He has served on the jury for the "Content and Contact" category at the Clio Awards, and the digital jury for the Campaign BIG Awards, and is the President of the "NEW" category jury for the London International Awards this year, for the second year running.

"Faris is one of the most brilliant strategic thinkers I have met in this industry. He has been able to achieve amazing things for his clients both at Naked and then at McCann, and I am extremely excited that he is now a part of our Strategic Resources Group, and we can offer his unique brand of thinking to our agencies and their clients," said Miles Nadal, Chairman & CEO, MDC Partners. "The addition of Faris to our network is a further example of our dedication to delivering the smartest, most creative and results driven thought leaders who understand the challenges and opportunities facing brands today, and can provide innovative strategic solutions to our clients and our agencies. MDC Partners is truly 'The Place Where Great Talent Lives".

About MDC Partners, Inc.

MDC Partners is a progressive Marketing and Communications Network, championing the most innovative entrepreneurial talent. MDC Partners provides strategic solutions and services multinational clients in North America, Europe and Latin America. Our philosophy emphasizes the utilization of Strategy and Creativity to drive growth and measurable impact. "MDC Partners is The Place Where Great Talent Lives." The company's Class A shares are publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol "MDCA" and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDZ.A".

Labels:

This week in search 4/9/10 Tweet

Here's what's happening this week in search:

Site speed in web search ranking
We made an announcement today about site speed and how it effects our search ranking algorithms. Check out the Webmaster Central blog for more information, including a number of free tools that you can use to increase the speed of your website.

Stars in mobile search
In early March, we announced stars in search, a feature that helps you mark and rediscover great content on the web. Recently, we extended this functionality to your mobile phone, so that you're able to view that same favorite content on the go. So, if you'd previously starred sites for [cheesecake recipe] when planning a meal at home, searching for [cheesecake recipe] on your phone in the supermarket will help you rediscover the recipe search results that looked enticing — no need to make a grocery list. Stars work both ways, so if you mark a search result while on your phone, you'll be able to see it later when you get to your desktop. This feature is currently supported on Android phones, iPhones/iPods and Palm WebOS devices in the U.S., and you need to be logged into your Google account for it to work.

Updates to Google Quick Scroll
In December we launched Google Quick Scroll, an extension for Chrome which uses Google's search capabilities to help you jump directly to the portion of the page that's relevant to your search query. Since December, we've brought Quick Scroll to all the languages and domains where Chrome extensions are available. We've also continued to make constant improvements to the tool, and recently we debuted a new version with a few useful updates.

Since Quick Scroll is all about getting you to information fast, it's important that it appear quickly. So we've reduced the time it takes for the tool to pop up so you don't have to wait as long. Also, if you've been using Quick Scroll for a while, you know that it doesn't appear for every result — just when Google detects that only a portion of the page is relevant to your query. Now, even if Quick Scroll doesn't appear after you click on a search result, an icon will show up in the address bar. Clicking on the icon will pop up the Quick Scroll box with an explanation of why it didn't trigger on that page.

Here's what it looks like:

Help for those who need it
A few months ago, we introduced a search feature that displays the toll-free U.S. poison control number when you search for related information. This got us thinking about other ways we can help people get clear information from Google search in times of crisis or distress. So we recently launched a feature that displays the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at the top of the results page for certain search queries in the U.S. We hope this quick access to information helps people in emotional distress who may benefit from calling a suicide prevention hotline.

Stay tuned for more updates next week.

Labels: