Verizon Wireless Completes Statewide High-Speed Network in North Dakota

BISMARCK, ND — Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless service provider, today reported the completion of the company's 1XRTT NationalAccess high-speed wireless data network across North Dakota.

Beginning March 15, customers in the communities of Devils Lake, Dickinson, Jamestown, Minot and Williston, as well as surrounding areas, will be able to reap the benefits of a significantly faster, more robust wireless experience with the expansion of Verizon Wireless' high-speed service.

The company launched NationalAccess service a year ago in Fargo/Grand Forks and the Red River Valley area, and completed work in the Bismarck area in December.

"We have brought the latest wireless technology to North Dakota," said Viki L. Radden, president — Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. "Our customers can now enjoy picture messaging and remote access to their email and the Internet wherever we have service in the state."

Verizon Wireless' NationalAccess network enhances all levels of wireless communication, from voice transmission, picture messaging, Internet browsing and email, to enterprise applications that give companies with mobile employees tools for increased productivity and efficiency. NationalAccess customers can expect speeds similar to or better than the speeds experienced by home PC users dialing into their Internet Service Provider (ISP). Average data transmission speeds of NationalAccess network are between 40 and 60 kilobits per second (Kbps) with bursts up to 144 Kbps.

The NationalAccess launch is part of Verizon Wireless' continual network enhancements in North Dakota. During 2003, Verizon Wireless invested $21 million in network capacity and coverage improvements across the state and built 11 new cell sites. In 2004, Verizon Wireless will continue its network investment by building 17 new cell sites throughout North Dakota. The first cell site, located in Fargo, was activated in late January, and additional sites will be announced as they are ready for service. The company also will complete an upgrade to the mobile switching center in Fargo to ensure future network capacity to meet North Dakotans' increasing demand for wireless service.

During the past three years, in North Dakota and across the nation, Verizon Wireless has invested about a billion dollars every 90 days — more than $12 billion — in its nationwide network, offering customers access to the most extensive wireless voice and data network in the United States.

NationalAccess phones and devices are available at authorized Verizon Wireless agent locations and Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in Bismarck and Fargo. The high-speed network is available in more than 1,000 cities throughout the country.

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 37.5 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.  To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log onto www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless.

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