Verizon spends $330M in Tampa-area upgrades

TAMPA BAY — Verizon officials say the telecom behemoth invested more than $330 million in broadband and IP network infrastructure for the Tampa Bay region and central Florida in 2013.

The projects, according to a release, included:
• More than $4.9 million to move customers off older copper networks and onto Verizon's FiOS network;
• Nearly $3.2 million to improve network reliability for E911 services; data and voice delivery in major switch locations; and diversity in fiber-optic network routes to help minimize outages during major natural events;
• More than $1 million to continue cell site upgrades for 4G-LTE services.

The firm adds that by the end of 2013 FiOS services were available to more than 1.2 million homes and businesses in parts of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties. “Customers' communications, broadband and video needs grow more sophisticated each day, and Verizon — with its strong networks and assets in Florida — is uniquely positioned to meet those needs,” Verizon Florida region president for consumer and mass business Jeanmarie Milla says in the release.