Verizon Wireless said today it invested over $165 million in South Carolina last year on to upgrade and expand its wireless broadband and voice network.

The company rolled out its higher-speed “4G” network last year in the Charleston, Columbia, Greenville and Hilton Head Island markets. Verizon Wireless projected it will cover the entire state with the technology by 2013.

The company said its older 3G voice and data network covers more than 96 percent of the South Carolina population and 25,306 square miles.

Verizon Wireless said it employs more than 4,300 workers statewide at 33 retail stores and at customer call centers in North Charleston, Columbia and Greenville.