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Verizon Wireless Emerges as Largest Wireless Service Provider in the U.S.

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Bell Atlantic and Vodafone AirTouch, has officially launched as the largest wireless service provider in the U.S., boasting over 26.5 million subscribers. The company's extensive services include Single Rate plans with no roaming charges, Mobile Web, and significantly expanded pre-paid wireless services. With a coast-to-coast footprint covering nearly 90% of the U.S. population, Verizon Wireless is poised to revolutionize the wireless communications market.

Key Takeaways:

  • Verizon Wireless serves more than 25% of the total wireless service subscribers in the U.S., with over 26.5 million subscribers.
  • The company was formed on April 4, 2000, as a joint venture of Bell Atlantic (now Verizon Communications) and Vodafone AirTouch.
  • Verizon Wireless has a footprint covering nearly 90% of the U.S. population, serving 49 of the top 50 and 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets.
  • The company's Single Rate plans offer easy-to-understand, convenient-to-use service plans with no roaming charges.
  • Mobile Web, a user-friendly Web access service, is available to customers with content from partners such as E*Trade, Fidelity Investments, ABC News, ESPN, Amazon.com, and Microsoft's MSN.
  • Verizon Wireless has significantly expanded its pre-paid wireless services, catering to customers on a budget, parents who want to loan phones to their kids, or those who want to test wireless service without committing to a contract.
  • The company, headquartered in New York City and Bedminster, NJ, employs 30,000 people.

Statistics:

  • Over 100 million wireless service subscribers in the U.S. (CTIA)
  • Verizon Wireless serves 25.5% of the total wireless service subscribers in the U.S.
  • 82.5 million (total) x 25.5% = over 26.5 million subscribers
  • 90% of the U.S. population is covered by Verizon Wireless' footprint
  • 49 of the top 50 and 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets are served by Verizon Wireless
  • 30,000 employees are employed by Verizon Wireless

Sources:

  • "Verizon Wireless Emerges as Largest Wireless Service Provider in the U.S." (PRNewswire)
  • CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association)
  • Verizon Wireless (press release, no date specified)
  • "About Verizon Wireless" (Verizon Wireless Media Center, no date specified)

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