By the end of the year, Selma will be among many markets to receive access to the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, the nation’s largest 4G LTE network.

On Oct. 18, Verizon Wireless announced that 21 new markets will be added to their 4G LTE network. And by the end of December, an additional 30 markets will be added to that list.

In a previous interview with the Times-Journal, Kate Jay, Verizon Wireless spokesperson for Alabama and Georgia, said Selma should expect to receive 4G LTE coverage by Jan. 1, 2013.

With this network, Jay said Verizon customers can expect to have much faster internet access on their 4G LTE capable devices.

“When we do launch 4G LTE in Selma, customers will be able to experience those lightning fast speeds,” Jay said. “It will be up to 10 times faster that the 3G network.

Currently, 95 percent of Alabama receives the 3G network, and Jay said the wireless company has committed to covering all areas receiving 3G with 4G by the end of the year.

“We’re rolling out the network very aggressively,” Jay said. “With 4G you could download a song in 4 seconds or upload a picture in 6 seconds. You’ll experience blazing fast speeds.”

From an infrastructure perspective, Jay said new equipment is added to the existing 3G network, which entails upgrading the broadband connection to the cell site to accommodate increased data traffic.

Residents must be Verizon Wireless customers to receive coverage, and have a 4G capable device, like a smart phone.

Once Selma receives the network, Jay said she would like to hold demonstrations with residents to show how the network works.

“We’re very excited to have this come out and we look forward to covering our 3G footprint by the end of next year,” Jay said.

For a full list of markets that currently have 4G LTE coverage, visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte.