HONOLULU — Verizon Wireless announced last week that it is bringing the world’s first large-scale 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to two areas on Maui.

Customers in Hilo, Honolulu, Kahului-Wailuku and Lahaina will join wireless users in 40 other major markets that are already experiencing the 4G mobile network in America.

The company plans to offer 4G LTE in more than 145 metropolitan areas by the end of the year.

“Wireless customers in Hawaii who crave speed and reliability can prepare for a strong connection with America’s fastest 4G mobile technology,” said Bobby Morrison, president of Verizon Wireless’ Pacific Northwest Region.

“With speeds up to ten times faster than 3G, our 4G LTE network will deliver extraordinary wireless productivity and on-the-go entertainment.”

The HTC ThunderBolt launched on March 17 is the first in a suite of consumer-oriented smartphones, tablets, hotspots and notebooks that will run on Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network by the middle of this year.

Since its launch fewer than four months ago, the network has provided laptop users with 4G LTE modems with speeds up to ten times faster than the company’s 3G network.

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

Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for more information about Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network.