Faster, more reliable speeds are about to sweep Selma as Verizon Wireless announced its 4G LTE network will be available to more than 75 percent of the U.S. population, Selma included.

4G, short for “fourth generation wireless,” is different than more traditional forms of internet service, like cable and DSL, because it doesn’t rely on a physical connection. Instead, it sends wireless internet signals from towers and can be accessed anywhere.

Kate Jay, Verizon Wireless spokesperson for Alabama and Georgia, said that with this launch, Verizon users will have lightning-fast speeds 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 than the 3G network.”

Selma is one of 34 new markets to receive the 4G LTE network.

Jay said back in December of 2010, Verizon launched 4G in 38 major markets across the country, covering more than 110 million Americans.

Since then, the company has committed to cover their entire 3G footprint with 4G by the end of next year.

“We’re rolling out the network very aggressively,” Jay said.

Right now, 95 percent of the state of Alabama is covered with the 3G.

“I don’t have specifics regarding the Selma outlet, but I can tell you that we’re committed to that aggressive expansion,” Jay said. “We have been from the start.”

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

“With 4G you could download a song in 4 seconds or upload a picture in 6 seconds,” Jay said. “With the 4G LTE network, you’ll experience blazing fast speeds.”

Jay added that the network upgrade process is intensive because it involves changing over to a completely new network.

“From an infrastructure perspective, new equipment is added to our existing 3G network, so that includes upgrading the broadband connection to our cell site to accommodate that increased data traffic,” Jay said.

Once Selma receives the 4G network, Jay said she would like to have residents see some Verizon Wireless devices and do demonstrations with the new network.

“We’ll get some devices and do some demos and it’ll be a lot of fun,” Jay said. “We’re very excited to have this come out and we look forward to covering our 3G footprint by the end of next year.”