Just in time for hurricane season, Miami Verizon customers have the #1 Rated Network

MIAMI - With NOAA predicting an above-normal 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, Verizon customers in hurricane-prone areas, including Florida, can rest assured that we have your back when a crisis strikes. That's when a simple call or text message can be the most important communication you make.

Verizon's sustained investments in new technology ensure its customers are covered, whether at the beach, while running late for dinner, or during an emergency. These enhancements helped the leading wireless provider come out on top in the last rankings by RootMetrics. According to the nation's most rigorous, independent study, Verizon was rated #1 in overall network performance yet again in Miami.

Verizon's network team has undertaken extensive storm season preparation as part of its ongoing network enhancements. In 2016, the company invested about $11.2 billion nationally – and $268 million in Florida alone– to reinforce our coverage, capacity and services.

Those enhancements include the company's network switching centers, which are designed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes. These facilities – handling tens of millions of wireless connections even on a crisis-free day – feature hardened shells, large-scale on-site power generation and other back-up systems to ensure Verizon's network remains strong, running and reliable. 

Housed at the company's super-switches are fleets of Cells On Wheels (COWs), Cells On Light Trucks (COLTs), Cellular Repeaters On Wheels (CROWs) and Generators On A Trailer (GOATs) that can be deployed quickly to hard-hit locations or areas needing extra wireless capacity. 

Verizon also installed back-up generators at more than 91 percent of our cell sites in Florida to maintain wireless communication even in the event of a prolonged power outage, along with pre-arranged fuel delivery in case of a storm, with tankers in position to quickly respond.

Other noteworthy statewide enhancements include the addition of 77 new macro cell sites throughout Florida, along with 149 new small cells, which consist of a radio, antenna, power and a fiber connection and are strategically positioned on streetlights, sides of buildings or other structures.

"Our investment in the Sunshine State doesn't stop here," said Roger Tang, president – Southeast Market for Verizon. "Our goal is to keep our customers connected – whether it's sharing a photo or video of a national championship game winning touchdown, or making that first call or text to friends and family following a storm."

Building the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network means customers can count on Verizon's network in Miami and across the country, when they need it most.

*Rankings based on RootMetrics Miami, FL (1H 2017) RootScore® Report. Tested with best commercially available smartphones on 4 national mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary.