Verizon Wireless presses its 4G LTE edge into new markets

Verizon Wireless plans to roll its 4G LTE network into an additional 14 markets and expand its coverage in four cities tomorrow, as the carrier hopes to press its speed advantage further.

The company will have covered 179 markets across the country with its super-fast wireless network, by far the most widespread 4G coverage out of any of the carriers.

With 4G a major selling point and source of bragging rights, Verizon has undertaken an impressively rapid deployment. Beyond the iPhone, 4G has been effective at drawing in new customers. It has only put its foot on the pedal further, distancing itself from its competitors.

Verizon has launched or unveiled a number of high-profile 4G LTE smartphones to compliment the network, including the HTC Rezound, Motorola Droid Razr, and the upcoming Samsung Electronics Galaxy Nexus.

Verizon also said today that its network was named the "Fastest 4G Network Yet" by Popular Science, and was ranked No. 1 in PC World's rundown of best products this year.

AT&T yesterday said it plans to launch its 4G LTE network in six new markets later this month, bringing its total to 15 markets.

Sprint, meanwhile, relies upon Clearwire and its 4G WiMax network to deliver a faster service, but has recently opted to build its own LTE network. It plans to begin the roll-out midway through next year.

The new cities are: Little Rock, Ark., Savannah, Ga., Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Iowa, Lexington, Ky., Starkville, Miss., Kansas City and Springfield/Branson, Mo., Lincoln, Neb., Orange County, N.Y., Greater Providence, R.I., Rapid City, S.D., Roanoke, Va., and Appleton/Oshkosh, Wis. The service will be expanded in Pittsburgh, Louisville, Ky., Grand Rapids, Mich., and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.

Updated at 10:18 a.m. PT: to include additional details on Verizon's 4G network.