WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Dec. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling, downloading apps and surfing the web on the Verizon Wireless network is now easier and faster for residents and travelers in Merced County thanks to new cell sites in Atwater and Los Banos. The sites improve wireless coverage and capacity in the following areas:

• Atwater: Along Winton Way, Bert Crane, Bellevue Avenue and Long View Avenue
• Los Banos: Along Mercey Springs Road, and Henry Miller Avenue

Since being founded in 2000, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $7.2 billion in its California network. Nationally, the company has invested more than $70 billion over that same period to increase the coverage and capacity of its network, and to add new services.

The network upgrade is part of the company's ongoing investment to keep improving and strengthening the nation's largest and most reliable wireless network.

Verizon Wireless on Twitter

To stay up-to-date on Verizon Wireless news in Northern California, Northern Nevada and Hawai'i, follow @VZWheidi on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWheidi.

For the latest network-related news, information and upgrades follow @VZWNews on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 96 million retail customers, including 90.4 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 75,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless