Verizon Wireless Boosts Service at Wachovia Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

WILKES-BARRE, PA — Verizon Wireless announced it has upgraded its in-building network coverage at the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, enabling the many sports fans and concertgoers attending events there to enjoy enhanced wireless service. As a result, customers will experience fewer dropped calls and clearer reception while talking on their wireless handsets, handling data applications (such as TXT and Picture Messaging) or downloading games and ring tones with the company's Get it Now® services.

"Whether Penguins or Pioneers fans, or just attending a concert, customers at the Wachovia Arena rely heavily on their wireless phones to keep in touch with friends and family," said Roger Tang, president—Ohio/Pennsylvania Region, Verizon Wireless. "This network enhancement reflects our ongoing commitment to meet the growing needs of our customers and to provide them with the reliable, high quality service they expect from Verizon Wireless."

Reliable service is fundamental to customer loyalty, and Verizon Wireless boasts the highest customer loyalty in the industry. During the second quarter of 2005, only 1.2 percent of its customers disconnected their service, which is well below the industry average.

"Our industry-leading customer retention is tied closely to the value we offer our customers," Tang said. "Wireless consumers today understand that value is not defined by price alone. A major reason our customers choose Verizon Wireless and stay with us is because we offer the nation's most reliable network."

This recent improvement is part of Verizon Wireless' continuous effort to increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Pennsylvania and across the country. Since its inception in 2000, the company has consistently spent more than $4 billion annually-and more than $5 billion last year-to expand and improve its network nationwide. Approximately $250 million of this investment was spent in 2004 to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless products and services in Pennsylvania.

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, N.J., 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.  

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