Source: Verizon Press Release

Verizon and Cellcrypt, a provider of government-grade encrypted voice-calling software, will collaborate to deliver secure mobile calling capabilities to the U.S. government.

Under terms of a recently signed strategic agreement, the two companies will jointly market Cellcrypt's mobile voice-encryption solution to military, intelligence and civilian agencies.  The service will help government information technology departments manage the expanding use of mobile devices, address the potential risks associated with the interception of sensitive voice communications, and provide a powerful tool to combat cyberattacks on critical national infrastructure.

Currently undergoing trial testing with several government agencies, the yet-to-be named co-branded service will be available for sale this fall.

When launched, the Verizon-Cellcrypt service will be supported on smartphones and tablets running on the widely used Android, BlackBerry and iOS mobile operating systems.  The downloadable software application, which supports federal information processing standard 140-2, will work across cellular, Wi-Fi and satellite networks, including Verizon's industry-leading wireless networks.  FIPS 140-2, created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is a U.S. government computer-security standard used to accredit cryptographic hardware and software.

Source: Verizon Press Release

Verizon (NYSE:VZ) announced that starting Tuesday. April 17 it will make FiOS service available to more than 17,700 additional households over the next several months.

Consumers in these new "open for sale" addresses, located primarily in Pinellas and Polk counties, Florida will have a competitive alternative to their traditional cable provider. 

Verizon will contact residents directly when the company completes the required fiber splicing and other engineering work and launches FiOS service.  Areas affected will include:  

PINELLAS COUNTY - approximately 8,000 households.  Communities include St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Clearwater, Countryside, Dunedin, Largo/Indian Rocks and Tarpon Springs.

POLK COUNTY - approximately 8,000 households.  Communities include Lakeland, Haines City, Winter Haven and Mulberry.

SARASOTA AND MANATEE COUNTIES - approximately 800 households.  Communities include east Bradenton, Nokomis and North Port.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY - approximately 600 households in Plant City.

With the latest additions, FiOS service will be available to more than 1.17 million households in the area.