Wireless Phone Customers In Columbus, Indiana Receive Improved Service From Enhanced Digital Network

COLUMBUS, IN — Verizon Wireless has upgraded several cell sites in Columbus to improve wireless service for its growing number of customers throughout the nearby area.

The cell site enhancements increase network capacity throughout Columbus and along I-65 in Bartholomew County, enabling more residents and travelers to use the network concurrently. Just in time for the holiday shopping season, these upgrades also improve service at the Commons Mall and Edinburgh Premium Outlets.

The upgrades mean Verizon Wireless customers will experience fewer dropped calls and clearer reception while talking on their wireless phones, handling data applications (such as TXT and Picture Messaging) or downloading games and ring tones with the company's Get It Now® services.

"During the past year in Columbus, our customer base has grown and the average number of minutes our customers use their wireless phones has increased, resulting in a 40 percent growth in volume on our network," said Greg Haller, president—Indiana/Kentucky/Michigan Region, Verizon Wireless. "These network enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to meet the growing needs of our customers and to provide them with the high quality of service they expect from Verizon Wireless."

The upgrades are part of Verizon Wireless' continuous effort to increase capacity and augment the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Indiana and across the country. Nationally each year, the company invests about $1 billion every 90 days to improve and expand what is already the most reliable wireless network in the United States. Approximately $103 million of this investment will be spent in 2004 to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless products and services in Indiana.

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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