Verizon is extending its 4G coverage to another 19 markets today, bringing the total number to 74.

The carrier promised earlier in the year to have 4G coverage in 145 new markets before the end of 2011 and it looks like they’re still on course to meet that target. Verizon also has a long-standing goal to have its entire network switched over to 4G by 2013.

The new coverage areas being activated today include San Francisco, Detroit and Fresno and Sacramento, California; Hartford, Connecticut; Boise, Idaho; Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, Indiana; Flint, Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan; Dayton, Ohio; Erie, Harrisburg and State College, Pennsylvania; Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Salt Lake City-Ogden, Utah; Spokane, Washington; and Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In terms of speed, Verizon 4G is consistently ranked as the fastest available so it’s good coverage is expanding so rapidly. The carrier also has two of the best-rated phones right now the Thunderbolt and the DROID Charge.