Verizon Wireless keeps expanding and upgrading its network across North Carolina. Meanwhile, parent firm Verizon reports strong growth in the second quarter in its earnings report early Wednesday.

Through the first six months of this year, Verizon Wireless says it has invested $66 million in its 4G LTE (long-term evolution) network, which now covers 95 percent of the state’s population. 

“Because 95 percent of the U.S. population can access Verizon’s 4G LTE, we’re seeing more businesses, government agencies and schools implementing cutting-edge, connected technology that revolutionizes things like emergency services and small business efficiency,” said Jerry Fountain, president of the Verizon Wireless Carolinas/Tennessee region. “Since 2000, Verizon has invested $1.7 billion in our network in North Carolina to ensure customers have reliable service and a superior mobile experience.”

Investments include adding more equipment to deal with disasters, including:

  • Cells on wheels (COWS)
  • Cells on light trucks (COLTS)
  • Generators on trailers (GOaTS)

Earnings Report

In earnings news, Verizon said it added more wireless devices than expected to its network in the latest quarter, continuing a strong run for the country’s largest cellphone carrier.

Verizon Wireless added 941,000 devices to its contract-based plans in the April to June period and boosted service revenues by 8.3 percent from a year ago. Its closest rival, AT&T, is seeing revenue increases of around 4 percent.

Net income at Verizon Communications Inc. was $5.2 billion, or 78 cents per share, up 21 percent from a year ago, the company said Thursday. Excluding a pension-related gain, earnings were 73 cents per share. That beat the average estimate of analysts polled by FactSet by a penny.

Revenue was $29.79 billion, up more than 4 percent from a year ago and in line with analyst expectations.