Verizon Wireless Announces Prepay Minute Replenishment Via ATM In Boston

WOBURN, MA — Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless service provider, today announced a first-of-its-kind method to replenish, or [REUP], prepaid wireless service in Boston via automatic teller machines (ATM). Boston, at 61 percent*, has one of the highest wireless user bases and is one of only two cities nationwide to trial and use this convenient means of adding prepaid minutes, St. Louis, MO is the other city. Since Americans rely on ATM machines for quick and easy access to cash, Verizon Wireless determined that launching replenishment service via ATM would give customers even greater convenience. Beginning at the end of October, [FREEUP] customers can replenish minutes [REUP] at independent ATM machines found in high-traffic locations in and around Boston, including convenience stores and gas stations.

[FREEUP] bundles award-winning voice service on the nationwide [FREEUP] network, two-way text messaging, Caller ID, international calling and voicemail, with no monthly bills, long-term contracts, credit checks or additional fees for domestic long distance or roaming from anywhere on the [FREEUP] network.

The [REUP] feature on ATMs can be identified by the screensaver message and Verizon Wireless' [FREEUP] logo.

After swiping one of the many major credit cards accepted by the ATM, customers simply need to enter their wireless phone number and select the replenishment amount, to see the remaining [FREEUP] account balance and the total charge. The [FREEUP] account is immediately updated. ATM replenishment will be available nationally in early 2003.

"We're bringing convenience to a new level by letting our customers use the same ATM that they would use to get cash to [REUP]," said Bob Stott New England Region President for Verizon Wireless, adding, "ATM replenishment is fast, easy and conducive to the lifestyle of the busy people who choose prepay wireless service."

The convenience of [FREEUP] continues with its simplified pricing of $.30 per minute for weekday minutes and $.15 per minute nights and weekends. In addition, new [FREEUP] customers will have the benefit of [Mobile2Mobile] pricing to talk to any of the 30 million Verizon Wireless customers at $.15 a minute anytime. These new rates do not vary by replenishment value. With longer expiration times that can extend up to 120 days on higher value replenishment cards [FREEUP] customers can make their money last longer and go further. For more information on Verizon Wireless' [FREEUP] services and handset options, visit www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 30.3 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.

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