Verizon Wireless Opens New $20 Million Regional Headquarters and Customer Service Center in Chandler, Arizona

CHANDLER, AZ — Bob Robson, Speaker Pro Tempore in the House of Representatives, and Garrett Newland, Economic Development Director for the city of Chandler, were among the guests who today joined Verizon Wireless in celebrating the grand opening of its new Southwest Region Headquarters and Customer Service Center.

Located in the Chandler Freeways Business Park in Chandler, Ariz., the new $20 million, 170,000-square-foot, state-of-the art facility will serve as the hub for both sales and customer service support for the region that includes Arizona, New Mexico, Las Vegas and El Paso, Texas.

"With a single East Valley location that combines our Regional Headquarters and Customer Service Center, we are perfectly positioned to serve our growing number of customers with a continually expanding lineup of innovative, high-quality products and services," said Tami Erwin, president, Verizon Wireless' Southwest Region. "Verizon Wireless' investment in the new facility and the addition of new jobs demonstrates our commitment to our customers and to the Valley of the Sun, as well as our ongoing strategy to stay ahead of the continuing strong demand for its wireless products and services."

The company is adding more than 300 new full-time customer service positions in 2004, increasing the number of Verizon Wireless employees working in Arizona to more than 1,300.

"Today's celebration demonstrates Verizon Wireless' confidence in the Valley's capable workforce and a commitment to continued investment in the state's economy," said Representative Robson.

In 2002 and 2003 Verizon Wireless invested more than $160 million in its wireless voice and data network to continue to expand and enhance the reach and capabilities of its network and provide the best possible wireless experience in Arizona. Each year, Verizon Wireless invests on average about a billion dollars every 90 days in its national network, constantly improving and expanding what already is the most reliable nationwide wireless network in the United States.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data 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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