Partnerships

The Claro brand ("claro" being Spanish for "clear") was launched in Puerto Rico on May 18, 2007 as rebranding the Verizon Wireless trademark, after Verizon International sold its stake in Puerto Rico Telephone Co. (PRTC). Claro is the wireless arm of PRTC, which serves wireline telephone and data services in the island. The brand was introduced to thewireless segment after 30 March 2007 acquisition of the telecom by América Móvil.

The company has made public its plans to launch a GSM/UMTS network parallel to the CDMA/EvDO network it operates since 2002. Claro has mobile voice and data services in Puerto Rico's 78 cities and towns and its coverage is constantly expanding, the company says.

Verizon Wireless still offers voice coverage in Puerto Rico by roaming on the Claro network. On America's Choice II and Nationwide calling plans, usage on this network is included at no cost (considered Extended Network) but on any other plan it costs $.69 per min.

Starting May 1, 2009, due to an agreement with the CDMA company "Iusacell", Verizon Wireless offers the Nationwide + Mexico calling plans. These plans allows users to call Mexico as part of their regular minutes. Users who travel can also roam into Mexico at no additional charge.


Competitors

Some of Verizon Wireless' primary competitors include:
AT&T
Sprint Nextel (including Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile)
T-Mobile
U.S. Cellular
MetroPCS
Leap Wireless (including Cricket Communications and Jump Mobile)
Revol Wireless