Verizon Wireless Celebrates Grand Opening Of New Communications Store In Watertown, New York

WATERTOWN, NY — In response to growing demand for the company's voice and data services, Verizon Wireless, owner and operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, has opened a new Communications Store in Watertown. The new, larger store, located in the Salmon Run Mall, has been designed to make wireless shopping more convenient for new customers and to provide current customers with greater access to customer and technical support services. It will celebrate its official grand opening this weekend.

"This expansion represents our commitment to provide our customers with increased convenience and an accessible, knowledgeable sales staff," said Keith Slater, director of Communication Stores for Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York region. "Demand for our wireless services continues to grow as more people take advantage of our America's Choice^SM and FamilyShare® price plans, and our popular data services including NationalAccess wireless Internet access, Picture Messaging, and two-way TXT Messaging."

As part of the store's grand opening celebration, Verizon Wireless will donate 20 wireless phones to the Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County to distribute to local domestic violence victims for use in emergencies or life-threatening situations. The phones are provided through HopeLine® — Verizon Wireless' exclusive nationwide phone recycling program. Marking its 10th year in 2005, the HopeLine program distributes previously owned wireless phones to victims of domestic violence, supports non-profit domestic violence advocacy groups, and provides an environmentally safe method for recycling phones.

No-longer-used phones are collected and either recycled or sold for parts, with wireless phones and/or monetary donations benefiting domestic violence agencies and victims. Since national phone collection and recycling efforts began in 2001, the company has collected more than 2 million wireless phones nationwide to benefit domestic violence victims.

The new store features the full range of Verizon Wireless products and services and is fully staffed for customer service and technical support, allowing customers to speak with Verizon Wireless' highly trained representatives about all their wireless needs.

The new store also features:

• An extensive customer service and technical support area to better serve customers
• A top-of-the-line self-service center with bill payment kiosk
• An informational video displayed on an LCD screen providing customers with information on the latest handsets and accessories, the Verizon Wireless network, wireless tips, roadside assistance, customer service, account management options, and much more.

"Verizon Wireless is focused on meeting the needs of our customers and providing them with the highest level of service," said Slater. "This new location allows us to provide our customers with increased convenience, access to our superior voice and data products, as well as instant account and customer service information to enhance their overall Verizon Wireless experience."

The new Salmon Run Mall store is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 am — 9 pm, and Sunday from 11 am — 6 pm. The telephone number is (315) 788-0077. The store employs 26 people. Verizon Wireless Communications Stores offer a premier line of digital wireless phones in all price ranges, data services and accessories.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 45.5 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 and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.  

About HopeLine
2005 marks the 10 year anniversary of the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program, which puts wireless products and services to work to combat domestic violence. Today, HopeLine collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless carrier and refurbishes or recycles them with proceeds benefiting victims of domestic violence. The environmentally friendly HopeLine Program also provides victims with essential communication tools — wireless phones and wireless services, including voicemail and pre-paid wireless minutes. Donations are accepted at all 1, 900-plus Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country. For additional information, customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.   ####