Verizon Wireless expands 4G LTE coverage to Marana, Vail

The provider's 4G LTE network, which has been available in Tucson since August 2011, will reach Marana, Vail, Three Points and surrounding areas. The network covers more than 75 percent of the country's population.

Verizon Wireless offers the only 4G LTE network in Southern Arizona. The company promises faster download speeds, more reliable data and smoother streaming than its 3G network. Verizon Wireless says its 4G LTE network provides average download data rates of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload rates of 2 to 5 Mbps.

The expansion comes just in time for Friday's iPhone 5 launch. Only newer smartphones and tablets with 4G LTE capabilities can access the network.