Verizon Wireless Network In Southern California Stronger Than Ever Thanks To One Local Test Man, Joel Kenyon

IRVINE, CA — Verizon Wireless test men and women across the country continued to go the extra mile in 2005 to test the company's nationwide wireless network. The ongoing efforts of Verizon Wireless' real-life test men and women help ensure the overall quality and reliability of the Verizon Wireless network.

One of more than 50 test men and women across the country, Joel Kenyon has driven more than 20,000 miles this year in his specially equipped test vehicle built to analyze the performance of Verizon Wireless' network. With his 2004 Chevy Trailblazer packed with more than $300,000 worth of testing equipment, Kenyon uses his mobile laptop computer to generate phonically diverse "conversations" that simultaneously test the Verizon Wireless network and the networks of other wireless providers.

The ultimate road warrior, Kenyon regularly travels the roadways across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties to test the Verizon Wireless network for call attempts and completions. The data gathered from these calls is used to analyze network reliability and assist the company in targeting improvements.

Verizon Wireless monitors its network year round, so Kenyon is regularly on the road, driving, testing, calling and analyzing the Verizon Wireless network at all sorts of places, including near the famous Hollywood sign in metropolitan Los Angeles, around the shopping outlets in desert community of Cabazon and near the world's tallest thermometer in the rural town of Baker.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For a high resolution picture of Verizon Wireless Test Man Joel Kenyon please call Ken Muché at (949) 286-8193.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH VERIZON WIRELESS TEST MAN JOEL KENYON

How did you become a "Test Man/Woman"?
I did a lot of drive testing at a previous job. When I decided to relocate to Los Angeles, this job turned out to be a perfect fit.

What is the most interesting experience you've had at work?
In Needles, out by the Colorado River, a guy saw all the antennas on the vehicle and thought I was a "storm chaser." In Boulder City, Nevada I stayed at a haunted hotel. During the night I would hear what I thought was the air conditioner squeaking. It turned out to be my cell phone beeping, even though it was turned off. I finally had to put the phone in the bathroom so I could sleep. I've also helped people on the highway. I carry extra gas and water in the desert, so I gave some water to a guy for his radiator in Ramona, and gas to a woman walking along the highway west of El Centro. It was hot and she was miles from town, so I'm sure she appreciated it.

What do you like most about your job?
I have the independence to do the job in the most efficient way possible.

What, if anything, do you have in common with the Test Guy in the ads?
I'm interested in making our network as good as it can be. I also have a pair of black plastic glasses.

Test Guy's catchphrase is "Can you hear me now? Good." What's yours?
"Don't just point the way. Lead it."

What do you like best about your location in the U.S.?
I love the climate and the people here.

Do you have any interesting hobbies or skills outside of work?
I do a lot of hiking, and I lead people on nature hikes on weekends.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice network, serving 49.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE: VOD and LSE). 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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