Verizon Wireless 4G Service Coming Thursday

Starting Thursday, some area residents' cell phones and internet connections will get ten times faster.

Verizon has announced that it will launch its 4G LTE network on Thursday, May 19 across New Haven and Fairfield Counties, including in Middlebury, Naugatuck and Southbury. So long as users have compatible devices, they can expect service "up to 10 times faster than the companies' current 3G network," according to company officials.

"We are proud to help Connecticut residents, small businesses and local government connect faster and more fully with the introduction of our 4G LTE network," said Christine Berberich, New England Region President for Verizon Wireless, in a release. "Our 4G LTE network is revolutionizing the way people communicatce, and we know this connectivity will be a key technology enabler for many years to come."

Whe customers leave 4G areas, their devices will automatically connect to the older 3G network.

The move is Verizon's first large-scale 4G deployment in the state. It was already activated in Bradley International Airport.