Verizon Wireless' Network Investment for Californians Nears $3 Billion Since Formation of the Company in 2000

IRVINE, CA — Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading wireless provider, today announced that it has invested nearly $3 billion in its California network since the company was formed in June 2000. The network investments have delivered new services to consumers and businesses; expanded the size of the network; and, increased the network's call capacity throughout the state. Some of the new services the network investment made possible include: TXT messaging; inter-carrier TXT messaging; over-the-air downloadable games and ringtones; Picture Messaging; Push to Talk walkie-talkie service; integration of Blackberry technology into the data and voice network; and, wireless connectivity to the Internet and corporate intranets at DSL-like speeds with the company's BroadbandAccess service.

"Now that Americans can switch wireless providers and keep their phone number, our consistent commitment to network quality gives them one more reason to stay or bring their number to Verizon Wireless and experience the largest and most reliable wireless network in the county," said Marni Walden, regional president, Verizon Wireless.

Verizon Wireless invested $600 million in its California network in 2003 alone, to further expand and enhance its wireless voice and data network in California, and safeguard network reliability. Each year, Verizon Wireless invests on average about a billion dollars every 90 days in its national network, constantly improving what already is the largest, most reliable wireless network in America.

The company's 'best, most reliable network' claim is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women who inspired the company's national advertising campaign. They conduct more than 300,000 call attempts monthly on Verizon Wireless' and other national wireless carriers' networks, while traveling over 100,000 miles of the most frequently traveled roadways nationwide in specially equipped, company-owned quality test vehicles.

Verizon Wireless' network reliability is also supported by industry-leading redundancy and maintenance measures, which have proven particularly valuable during natural disasters and other emergencies such as the southern California wildfires in 2003. Standard Verizon Wireless network reliability features include battery back-up power at all facilities as well as generators installed at all switching facilities and many cell site locations. The company also operates a fleet of mobile generators and temporary cell sites, or cells-on-wheels, ready for deployment.

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 40.4 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.

####