[Techtaffy Newsdesk]

Verizon is introducing its 4G LTE network in a total of 27 new markets on Thursday, including Ocala, and expanding the service in 44 areas across the United States. Verizon’s 4G LTE network is now available to more than two-thirds of the U.S. population in 230 markets, says the company.

In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.

Verizon serves around 108 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone.