Verizon Wireless Bringing More Than 500 New Jobs To New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Growth in demand for Verizon Wireless' products and services not only triggered more than $120 million in network investment in New Mexico and El Paso in the past four years, it's prompting growth in new technical jobs in the state. Verizon Wireless announced today that it will begin hiring up to 300 full-time employees for start-up of its newest Wireless Data Technical Support center — in Albuquerque. The center is projected to grow to more than 500 positions.

The company's Wireless Data Technical Support team provides technical service support of advanced products such as smart phones, wireless laptops and other products and services for Verizon Wireless customers using its high-speed BroadbandAccess and NationalAccess wireless data services. The company's two existing technical support centers are located in Folsom, CA, and Houston. The company has signed a lease for 64,000 square feet of office space in Albuquerque at 7120 Wyoming Avenue NE, adjacent to the Del Norte Shopping Center, to begin operations of its third center by the end of this year.

The company cites a 50 percent year over year increase in the number of wireless data customers as the main driver of the expansion. "With more than 19 million data customers nationally and growing, we are working to stay ahead of that growth, and provide highly specialized customer service agents who can provide data technical support," said Tami Erwin, Southwest Region president, Verizon Wireless. "These are jobs that require dedicated individuals with an interest in the newest technologies and a passion for outstanding customer service. The payoff is outstanding compensation and benefits at a company recognized as a great place to work."

In the past four years, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $120 million to provide the best possible wireless experience in New Mexico and El Paso, further expanding and enhancing its wireless voice and data network in the state. 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.

Verizon Wireless currently employs more than 125 people in New Mexico in a variety of jobs including network operations and engineering, sales, customer service and administration. The company operates nine Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and kiosks in the state, including Verizon Wireless Stores at Circuit City.

"We are pleased to be expanding our presence in the state of New Mexico and, in particular, in the Albuquerque market with these plans for more than 500 new full-time jobs and our continued multimillion dollar annual network investment," Erwin added. "We selected the Albuquerque area because of its outstanding talent pool, appealing real estate market and attractive quality of life."

Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez said, "Verizon Wireless is a fabulous company, and I'm delighted to welcome them to Albuquerque. They have discovered what so many others already know: Albuquerque is a great city, and we're one of the most desirable cities in the nation for business. Companies such as Verizon Wireless will help us to become even better. I am also pleased that Albuquerque Economic Development, Inc. and my Administration were able to work together to make this wonderful announcement possible."

Individuals interested in applying for center jobs at all levels can call 1-800-575-HIRE or log onto www.verizonwireless.com/careers. The company offers a competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage; participation in the company's 401k program with dollar for dollar match up to six percent of salary; tuition reimbursement; an annual bonus program for non-sales employees; profit-sharing, and a long-term incentive program similar to stock options.

A Great Place to Work

Verizon Wireless is consistently ranked as one of the nation's best places to work because of its employee-friendly policies. In 2005, the company was named one of Working Mother magazine's "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" for the fifth year in a row. Health Magazine named the company one of 10 U.S. employers revolutionizing workplaces to help women balance their professional and personal responsibilities. In two other annual surveys this year, Verizon Wireless has been recognized once again for the quality of its employee training programs by Training magazine, and as one of the top workplaces for information technology (IT) professionals by IDG's Computerworld magazine.

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.  

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