Verizon launches LTE in 29 additional markets, inches closer to 500 overall markets

Verizon Wireless (VZ) flipped the LTE switch on in 29 additional markets throughout the country on Thursday, in addition to expanding coverage in 36 existing markets. The reach of the company’s high-speed network is unmatched and is now available to more than 250 million people across 470 markets nationwide. Tom Pica, the company’s executive director of corporate communications, noted that independent wireless testing companies such as RootMetrics have ranked Verizon higher than all other carriers based on its network strength, reliability and speed. In fact, the carrier received more awards in 2012 from RootMetrics than any other. Verizon has previously announced that it expects its 4G LTE network to match its 3G footprint by the end of 2013.