Molokai Gets Verizon Wireless 4G Upgrades

Verizon Wireless users on Molokai now have an added boost for data speeds with 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) service that was installed last week. 4G is the fourth generation in cell phone communication standards, allowing high speed data transfer, video streaming, web browsing and other applications. Verizon’s partial Molokai upgrade is part of a statewide initiative to expand the 4G network

“With our 4G LTE network, more residents, small businesses and local government in Hawaii will be able to leverage the speed and connectivity through a variety of 4G LTE devices to connect with family and friends,” said Russ Preite, region president for Verizon Wireless.

Verizon spokesperson Heidi Flato said the upgrade, with a tower located at Pu`u Nana between Mahana and Maunaloa, will serve primarily Ho`olehua, with partial coverage in Kaunakakai and Kualapu`u.

“We will be upgrading more of the Molokai network with 4G in the future,” she said.

Existing 3G voice and data coverage in Ho`olehua and Maunaloa, as well as parts of Kaunakakai, Kualapu`u and east Molokai remains unchanged, added Flato.

Some west end Molokai residents have reported receiving 4G coverage since January, which Flato said is being picked up from cell sites on Oahu over 25 miles away.

With the upgrades, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink, according to a Verizon press release.

Only certain devices are able to make use of the 4G network. For details on available devices and other information, visit verizonwireless.com/4GLTE.