Wireless Broadband Data Service Introduced in Major Metro Areas

Verizon Wireless Launches Broadband Access: Next Generation Wide Area Wireless Data Network

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's largest and most reliable wireless network and a leader in the deployment of next generation technology solutions, today introduces BroadbandAccess — a broadband wireless data service powered by its third generation (3G) wide area 1xEVDO network. Beginning October 1, 2003, customers in Washington D.C. and San Diego can purchase BroadbandAccess to mirror their desktop environment while working remotely. The new service is part of the company's VZOffice suite of wireless products and services for businesses.

Working with virtual private network (VPN) connections, data customers in both cities can use BroadbandAccess as an extension of their corporate local area network (LAN) or intranet, allowing them to work from any location within the BroadbandAccess coverage area, as if they were in the office. BroadbandAccess, with typical speeds of 300-500 kilobits per second (kbps), is ideal for downloading complex files and business-critical information residing behind corporate firewalls and for accessing email, intranets and the Internet. BroadbandAccess uses CDMA 1xEVDO technology that has its own data protection and authentication and is designed to work with a business' existing IT infrastructure and security solutions.

Using a PC card and their laptop, Verizon Wireless customers can improve their productivity by accessing their information when they are on the road — at customer locations, at the job site, in a taxi, or on the train — faster. With data transmission speeds capable of bursts up to 2.0 Megabits per second (Mbps), Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess service is the fastest commercially available wide area wireless data technology available today. With BroadbandAccess from Verizon Wireless, an email attachment (1 Meg) is downloaded in less than 20 seconds. By comparison, the same size file on GPRS service takes almost seven minutes to download, or one and a half minutes to download the file using EDGE service.

"Trial participants have told us the technology has improved their productivity and their ability to respond more quickly to their customers' needs," said Dick Lynch, executive vice president and chief technical officer for Verizon Wireless. "BroadbandAccess is proof that we are committed to leading the industry in the delivery of the best wireless data technology, coverage and services -- offering a superior value to our customers."

BroadbandAccess service is available for a flat rate of $79.99 a month. Verizon Wireless is offering its first BroadbandAccess device required for the service, the Verizon Wireless PC 5220 card, manufactured by Sierra Wireless. Through the end of the year, Verizon Wireless customers can buy the Verizon Wireless PC 5220 card for $149.99 after $100 rebate. In the future, Verizon Wireless will offer additional BroadbandAccess devices, including additional cards, modem solutions for the office, and a wide range of the latest handheld mobile devices.

BroadbandAccess is part of VZOffice, a suite of business solutions designed to meet the connectivity needs of Verizon Wireless business customers. VZOffice combines complementary wireless voice and data solutions including NationalAccess, the company's nationwide data network offering wide area coverage and mobility at speeds comparable to dial-up to over 220 million potential customers, and WiFiAccess, available in frequently traveled 'hot spots' including many major airports and hotels.

"Time after time, our business customers stress the need for speed, security, coverage and reliability when it comes to wireless data access," said John Stratton, vice president and chief marketing officer of Verizon Wireless. "With the launch of BroadbandAccess in the Washington D.C. and San Diego regions, we are delivering customized, technologically advanced wireless solutions that meet all those needs."

In 2002, Verizon Wireless conducted technology trials of 1xEVDO in Washington D.C. with Lucent Technologies, and in San Diego with Nortel Networks. In the first half of 2003, Verizon Wireless expanded the coverage areas surrounding these two markets beyond the initial trial areas. BroadbandAccess coverage in Washington D.C. includes the District of Columbia, the Reston and Alexandria, VA areas and the Rockville, MD area. In San Diego, CA, coverage extends from Oceanside south to National City and east to include Escondido, Poway and El Cajon.

For more information on Verizon Wireless data services, 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 34.6 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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