Verizon Wireless Expands "Express Network" To Portland Oregon

PORTLAND, OR — Verizon Wireless customers in Portland are now able to reap the rewards of a significantly faster, more robust wireless experience with the company's expansion of its 1XRTT Express Network. The Express Network will enhance all levels of wireless data communications - full Internet access, email and game playing. This high-speed network also supports enterprise applications, giving companies with mobile employees tools for increased productivity and efficiency.

Verizon Wireless became the first U.S. wireless carrier to commercially launch a sizeable 3G footprint earlier this year when the Express Network was made available to customers in areas of the Northeast United States; in the technology-savvy Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California; and in Salt Lake City, site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Verizon Wireless remains the only wireless service provider offering a sizeable advanced wireless network footprint.

"We are very pleased that Portland is among the earliest markets to provide this service," said Lance Laing, acting president for the Northwest Region of Verizon Wireless. "The benefits of the Express Network will certainly appeal to Portland businesses seeking to use the latest technologies to enhance their operations, as well as to the many Portland residents who want full, fast access to the Internet or their company network to get things done while they're on the go. We are confident that our high-speed data network will fulfill and exceed consumers' expectations."

The Express Network is Verizon Wireless' 1XRTT data network, capable of data transmission speeds up to 144 kilobits per second (kbps). Customers can routinely expect speeds of 40-60 kbps, similar to most dial-up computer connections at home. Business customers and individual consumers in Express Network markets may take advantage of high wireless data speeds and robust Internet access by using the new Kyocera 2235 handset with a compatible Mobile Office kit as a modem for their laptops, or by using the AirCard 555 PC card from Sierra Wireless, for their laptops and select personal digital assistants.

"Together with the largest, most advanced nationwide wireless network, Express Network gives our customers a strategic advantage as they increasingly rely on wireless service for their business and personal communications needs, " Laing said.

Minute- or Data-Based Price Plans: Customers Can Make the Call To give customer choices, Verizon Wireless is offering two different pricing options. For those customers accustomed to measuring wireless use by the minutes used, they can take advantage of the Express Network for an additional $30 per month on most digital voice calling plans. In this scenario, all calling plan minutes are available for data or voice use. Customers that are heavy data users can take advantage of five rate plans that are based on actual data usage: $35 per month for 10 megabytes, $55 per month for 20 MB, with tiers up to 150 MB of data.

The Sierra Wireless AirCard 555, which retails for $299.99, enables customers to add voice, circuit-switched data and short messaging service capabilities to their laptops, select PDAs, and other computing devices. The Kyocera 2235, a 1XRTT data-compatible wireless handset, is available through Verizon Wireless corporate sales and Communications Stores in the Portland area. The tri-mode wireless handset, which retails for $79.99, is a communications system that includes: voice-activated dialing, a WAP browser, electronic games, two-way text messaging, and predictive text-input software for rapid text entry. With a subscription to the Express Network and a compatible Mobile Office kit, sold separately for $79.99, the 2235 is an attractive phone that also offers customers the opportunity for faster Internet access. The company expects to announce more Express Network wireless handset options soon.

Express Network equipment and service are available through Verizon Wireless corporate sales, Portland area Communications Stores, or by calling 1-800-308-DATA.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications and Internet services. The company has the largest nationwide wireless network and 29 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Reporters and editors can find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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