Lewis County Residents to Benefit from Verizon Wireless Network Expansion

Lewis County Residents to Benefit from Verizon Wireless Network Expansion

Investing to Stay Ahead of Growing Demand for Wireless Calling, Data Access, and Music

WATERTOWN, N.Y., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents in Lewis County, Verizon Wireless has expanded its network with a new cell site in Natural Bridge. The new site improves coverage and capacity on Route 3 between Old State Road and Marchey Road.

This network expansion is part of the company's aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless voice and data services. The company has invested more than $45 billion since it was formed -- on average, more than $5.5 billion every year -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services, including wireless data services such as picture messaging, text messaging, and wireless Internet access. NationalAccess, the company's national high-speed wireless data network, provides wireless Internet access at speeds between 60 and 80 kbps, with bursts up to 144 kbps.

Strong demand for Verizon Wireless services continued during the first quarter of 2008 as the company added 1.5 million new customers. Verizon Wireless, the wireless company with the highest customer loyalty, reported the lowest customer turnover (highest customer loyalty) rate in the industry -- 1.2% in the first quarter -- for the 14th consecutive quarter.

The company's "nation's most reliable wireless network" reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country who inspired the "Can you hear me now" national advertising campaign. These engineers drive nearly 100 specially equipped vehicles over 240,000 miles on average each quarter on Interstate, US and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets. Test vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 750,000 voice call attempts and more than four million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.

Last year, Verizon Wireless introduced its 30-day Test Drive, an industry first that lets customers experience its network virtually risk-free for 30 days. If customers are not satisfied with their experience and take their number to another carrier, Verizon Wireless will refund their money for calls, equipment, activation fee and taxes. For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com .

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 67.2 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: www.verizonwireless.com . To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia .

Source: Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: John O'Malley of Verizon Wireless, +1-585-321-7264, or
+1-585-261-5899, john.omalley@verizonwireless.com; or Meredith Dropkin,
+1-315-233-3000 , meredithd@mragroup.com, for Verizon Wireless

Web site:

http://www.verizonwireless.com/
http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in setting up an interview or ride-along test drive with your local Verizon Wireless test man or woman, please contact John O'Malley at 585-321-7264.

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