Verizon Wireless Completes $158 Million Enhancement To Michigan Network In 2005

SOUTHFIELD, MI — Verizon Wireless announced today it has completed a $158 million investment for 2005 to enhance the company's digital network in Michigan by building new cell sites and upgrading existing cell sites to improve call quality and capacity, increase coverage areas and enable a variety of advanced services such as the largest high-speed wireless broadband network in the United States, streaming video and other applications.

Verizon Wireless has invested nearly $500 million over the past four years in Michigan network upgrades alone.

"There are numerous factors that drive our tremendous network investment," said Greg Haller, president—Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region, Verizon Wireless. "First, our customers are increasingly relying on their phones, so we need to ensure that we have enough capacity on our network to meet their needs. Additionally, we are committed to building out our coverage area across Michigan. Finally, wireless technology is advancing at a very rapid rate, enabling Verizon Wireless to introduce our customers to many new products and services."

Network upgrade highlights in Michigan for 2005 include:

• 135 new cell sites were activated statewide to improve coverage and capacity.
• Equipment on 54 existing cell sites across Michigan was upgraded to increase capacity, enabling more customers to use their phones concurrently.
• 95 permanent backup generators were installed at Michigan cell sites to ensure network functionality during times of crisis.
• The network was built out in the Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo and Jackson markets. This expansion provides continuous coverage along Interstate 94 from Detroit to Chicago.
• The company launched its Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) third generation (3G) wide-area network in metropolitan Detroit, the area's first operational 3G network. The EV-DO network enables two new services for Verizon Wireless customers:
• BroadbandAccess, the largest high-speed wireless broadband network in the United States geared toward business professionals, with average user speeds of 400-700 kilobits per second (kbps).
• V CAST, a consumer-oriented service that offers short content on demand, including live-action 3-D games, music videos, news, weather, sports and more.

In addition to improving new services and everyday wireless calling coverage and capacity, the Verizon Wireless network investment is designed to enhance public safety. Resources including Cell On Wheels (COW) and Cell On Light Truck (COLT) vehicles are available for immediate dispatch to the site of any emergency. These vehicles are fully self-contained for rapid deployment and extended service.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 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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