SARATOGA SPRINGS — This morning, Verzion Wireless announced it has activated its high-speed 4G LTE data network on 13 cell sites in and around Saratoga Springs.

The decision to give customers in the Capital Region the chance to sample Verizon’s 4G LTE mobile network is a part of a company initiative to eventually roll out its new advanced network across the nation.

As of today, Saratoga Springs Verizon customers will be the first in the Capital Region able to experience the company’s new 4G LTE data network, which operates up to 10 times faster than Verizon’s 3G network.

The activation of the new network in and around Saratoga was timed to roll out just in time for the influx of people coming to the area for both the 2011 racing season at Saratoga Race Course and concert goers gathering for Live Nation’s concert series at SPAC.

Russ Preite, president of Verizon Wireless’ upstate New York region, said that he was excited to lead the Capital Region into the 4G LTE wireless broadband world.

Preite said the ultra-fast download capacities and advanced network technology are, “Helping residents, businesses, media and local government connect faster and more fully with each other and with those outside the area.”

Verizon Wireless introduced its 4G network to the New York City and Rochester markets in December and is planning to bring full 4G capacity to the Capital Region, Syracuse and Ithaca areas in the near-future. The move is part of the company’s long-term plan to deliver 4G LTE to all of its 3G customers across the nation by the end of 2013.

For more information about Verizon’s 4G LTE data network visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte.