Gov. Shumlin: Verizon expands 3G coverage at Sugarbush Resort, surrounding area

Press Release

Gov. Peter Shumlin announced today that Verizon Wireless recently activated a new cell site in Warren that expands wireless voice and 3G data coverage at Sugarbush Resort and the town of Warren, as well as the surrounding areas. The company invested in Washington County to continue to stay ahead of increasing demand for reliable voice and mobile Internet access, moving the state closer to the Governor's goal of statewide service by the end of 2013.

"The expansion and improvement of cellular service throughout Vermont is paramount for industry, tourism, safety and our citizens. With the investment in and installation of a new tower to support mobile voice and data, Verizon Wireless has demonstrated the important part that our cellular carriers play in achieving our goals," said Gov. Shumlin. "This tower is critical to all three- it supports our ski industry and the people who work here; it delivers better service to tourists who travel from around the world to ski at our resorts and expect world class communications, and will help keep our citizens safe throughout the mad river valley."

Verizon Wireless has invested more than more than $3 billion in its New England network since its inception in 2000, to increase coverage and capacity on behalf of customers. Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest and most reliable 3G network, a company spokeswoman said.

"We're appreciative of Governor Shumlin's recognition of this private investment," said Christine Berberich, president of the New England Region for Verizon Wireless. "Today people across Vermont are increasingly relying on wireless tablets, smartphones and apps to stay organized and connected. Our investment in Washington County - and across New England - has kept us ahead of these consumer trends and underscored our belief that any mobile device is only as reliable as the network it runs on."

Advantages of Expanded 3G Service at Sugarbush Resort

Verizon Wireless' recently expanded 3G data coverage at Sugarbush Resort empowers more customers using tablets, notebook computers or smartphones to:

· Find and download useful apps -- like GPS-enabled maps with turn-by-turn directions

· Surf the Web to check favorite blogs and read breaking news

· Harness weather and snow report apps and download trail maps

· Share photos and videos, staying connected with family and friends through social networking, from the slopes

· Work on-the-go with fast file sharing

"Visitors to Vermont's mountains are among the savviest of technophiles," said Ski Vermont President Parker Riehle. "While they choose our resorts to 'unplug' from work and the bustle of their respective cities, they still desire immediate access to media and communications that have become a part of our day to day lives."

Verizon Wireless and Ski Vermont (Vermont Ski Areas Association) recently announced that Verizon Wireless is now the official wireless partner of Ski Vermont. Among other activities, Ski Vermont and Verizon Wireless will coordinate certain Internet, digital and social marketing efforts, work collaboratively to generate earned media, cross promote in printed material, organize events at ski areas and Verizon Wireless' retail stores, and share access to consumer events and trade shows throughout the Northeast.

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