Verizon Wireless Expansion Brings Local Numbers To Longview And Kelso, Washington

BELLEVUE, WA — After completing a major network investment in Longview and Kelso, Verizon Wireless is now offering additional wireless service benefits to local residents.

"Step one is always the network, since Verizon Wireless is committed to offering the nation's most reliable wireless network," said Melanie Braidich, Verizon Wireless acting regional president. "With that in place for Longview and Kelso, we are now able to offer local residents, businesses and visitors all of the benefits of Verizon Wireless' network, including local points of purchase, and for the first time local phone numbers." Verizon Wireless products and services are now available at Blue Water Wireless and will also be available at Wal-Mart and Go Wireless in late August.

Verizon Wireless invested $1.7 million to expand its network to include Longview and Kelso. Over the past four years the company has invested more than $360 million in Washington state's network to stay ahead of the growth in demand for its products and services, add capabilities, and further enhance reliability.

The company's 'most reliable national wireless network' claim is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country who inspired the "Can you hear me now? Good®" national advertising campaign. These engineers conduct more than 750,000 call attempts and 1.4 million data tests quarterly on Verizon Wireless' and other national carriers' networks while traveling over 225,000 miles quarterly in specially equipped, company owned test vehicles.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in setting up an interview or ride-along test drive with your local Verizon Wireless test man or woman, please contact Georgia Taylor at 206.940.0385 or Georgia.Taylor@VerizonWireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 54.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, 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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