Verizon Wireless Completes $40 Million Enhancement to Kentucky Network in 2005

LOUISVILLE, KY — Verizon Wireless announced today it has completed a $40 million investment for 2005 to enhance the company's digital network in Kentucky 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 $115 million over the past four years in Kentucky network upgrades alone.

"There are numerous factors that drive our tremendous network investment," said Greg Haller, president—Kentucky/Indiana/Michigan 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 the Commonwealth. 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 Kentucky for 2005 include:

• 17 new cell sites were activated statewide to improve coverage and capacity.
• Equipment on 33 existing cell sites across Kentucky was upgraded to increase capacity, enabling more customers to use their phones concurrently.
• 40 permanent backup generators were installed at Kentucky cell sites to ensure network functionality during times of crisis.
• A new 14,706 -square-foot Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO) was completed. This state-of-the-art network facility houses the electronics that run much of Verizon Wireless' network throughout Kentucky and southern Indiana.
• The company launched its Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) third generation (3G) wide-area network in Louisville, 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 U.S. 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, 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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