Verizon Network Extender Enhances In-Home Call Capabilities

January 30, 2009

By Mike Peters

Verizon Wireless is now offering its customers the new Network Extender which can be used to enhance indoor wireless signals where location, geography, or structural conditions interfere with reception. Verizon Wireless Network Extender - a "mini-cell site" manufactured by Samsung - is about the size of a wireless router box or small attache case and routes Verizon Wireless calls through the customer's home broadband Internet connection. Network Extender, which can cover an area up to 5,000 square feet, is easy to set up and ready to use right out of the box.

Verizon Wireless Network Extender Overcomes Geographical and Structural Interference

"Our new Network Extender device will bring the full benefit of the Verizon Wireless voice network to the small but important segment of customers who may experience a weaker signal in their homes because of geographic or structural conditions," said Jack Plating, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless. "Current and prospective customers have told us they want this, and we are responding to that demand. For those who have wanted to sign up for Verizon Wireless service but hesitated because of reception problems unique to their home location, this is the answer."

The Verizon Wireless Network Extender is ideal for customers who want to enhance the wireless signal when making voice calls, sending text/picture/video messages, accessing mobile Web or accessing smartphone/BlackBerry data in situations that could include houses with structural barriers, basement rooms, or some remote, mountainous or hilly areas. Network Extender also can provide improved network access for customers living on the geographical fringes of the Verizon Wireless network. Network Extender does not support EV-DO speeds and services that require it.

Network Extender Available for Verizon Wireless Customers and Family SharePlan Members

Verizon Wireless customers and their Family SharePlan members can use their current phones and calling plans to place calls using the Network Extender. Customers also can manage access to their Network Extender through the account management feature on their My Verizon online account. Customers do not need to update their plans or add minutes and will incur no additional monthly charges for calls using Network Extender.