Verizon Wireless Keeps Watchful Eye On Network Activity Near College Campuses In Illinois And Missouri

ST. LOUIS, MO — Believe it or not, college students can really talk. That's why Verizon Wireless is keeping a close eye on cell sites near college campuses in Illinois and Missouri-to ensure its network is continually able to meet or exceed the demand for voice and data transmissions by students and local residents.

Since the 2005 summer break ended, Verizon Wireless' network engineers have seen demand on the company's network increase by as much as 68 percent as students in Illinois and Missouri converged on their college campuses for the fall semester.

"Our goal is always to be prepared for surges in call volume," said Mark Crumpton, president—Kansas/Missouri Region, Verizon Wireless. "We want to ensure that when students on college campuses call their families or friends, they are 'getting through' consistently."

Cell sites located near the following area college campuses reflected increases in network usage since the 2005 summer break:

• Southeast Missouri State University, 33 percent increase
• Southern Illinois University—Carbondale, 67 percent increase
• Southern Illinois University—Edwardsville, 48 percent increase
• St. Louis University, 68 percent increase
• University of Missouri—Rolla, 13 percent increase
• University of Missouri—St. Louis, three percent increase
• Washington University, 57 percent increase

Monitoring the capacity of its network in Illinois and Missouri is just one aspect of Verizon Wireless' commitment to stay ahead of the growing demand for the company's popular voice and data services, including V CAST and TXT Messaging, Picture Messaging, BroadbandAccess high-speed wireless Internet access, and Get It Now® ring tones, games, productivity applications and more.

Since its inception, the company has consistently spent more than $4 billion every year-and more than $5 billion last year-to expand and enhance its network nationwide. Approximately $91 million of this investment was spent in 2004 to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless products and services in southern Illinois and Missouri.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 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 preview and request 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.

####