Verizon Wireless To Open 12 New Retail Locations In Bay Area

SAN RAMON, CA — Verizon Wireless, the country's largest wireless company, announced today it plans to open 12 new retail stores and kiosks this year in the Bay Area in response to the growing demand for the company's voice and data products and services. During the coming months, seven new retail stores and five kiosks will open in the Greater Bay Area, creating more than 100 new sales and customer service positions, as well as business opportunities for local construction, architectural and real estate firms.

"Demand for our wireless services is growing steadily, as more people take advantage of digital calling plans like SingleRate ^SM national and regional plans, and our popular Mobile Web service," said Keith Ard, Director of Retail Stores. "Adding new Communications Stores to our existing chain of company-owned retail locations will make shopping for our wireless products and services easier and more convenient for customers. And, they'll receive expert advice on purchasing a phone and calling plan from our specially trained representatives. "

Verizon Wireless retail stores offer a full line of digital wireless phones in all price ranges, hands-free car kits, headsets and wireless data products, such as Mobile Web and Mobile Office, which allow you to check e-mail and surf the web from your wireless phone or laptop. The company also was first to offer the Smartphone, which combines a Kyocera 6035 wireless phone and PDA in one unit weighing just over seven ounces.

In addition, Verizon Wireless offers customers high-quality service on the most extensive wireless network in the U.S. and a Worry Free Guarantee ^SM that underscores the company's commitment to superior customer service. "Our 12 new stores will bring many benefits to customers and our expansion will have a positive economic impact in the communities where we're located," Ard said.

Verizon Wireless opened eight new retail locations in the Bay Area the first half of 2001. The company currently operates 29 retail stores and kiosks throughout the Bay Area. Customers who prefer to shop by phone may call 800-2 JOIN IN. Internet browsers can shop at www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 27 million wireless voice and data customers. The coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD), including Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless and PrimeCo Personal Communications. Verizon Wireless has a footprint covering more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets. The company, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 40,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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