Verizon Wireless says it’s the first wireless company in the world to broadly deploy a large-scale 4G LTE network, which is the fastest and most reliable 4G network in the U.S.

From CTIA Enterprise and Applications 2011, Verizon Wireless announced this week that the company’s fleet of test vehicles is being equipped with 4G testing and monitoring equipment to encompass all of the major operating networks in the U.S. today. Verizon Wireless test men and women will utilize the 4G testing equipment to monitor the company’s 4G LTE network as well as the high-speed data networks of competitors that use LTE and other technologies.

Using testing equipment from Ascom, a global technology company, Verizon Wireless test men and women are performing mobile data tests on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network as it continues to roll out across the country. The collected data will be used to measure network performance, benchmark against competitors, and assist Verizon Wireless network engineers who are responsible for maintaining and planning improvements and expansions of the company’s network, according to David Small, vice president and chief technical officer of Verizon Wireless.  The fleet includes about 100 test vehicles.

Wireless is conducting 4G data tests in more than 140 cities where the company’s 4G LTE network is currently available. Verizon Wireless will expand its 4G LTE network testing program into new markets as they launch. 1X voice and 3G data testing continue in all markets. For more information about Verizon Wireless’ network, visit http://aboutus.vzw.com/bestnetwork/overview.html .