Verizon Wireless Launches Wireless Broadband Network In Saint Augustine, Florida

TAMPA, FL — Residents in America's oldest city now may utilize the latest high-speed business and entertainment services on their wireless phones, laptop computers and other wireless devices, following the launch of the Verizon Wireless broadband network in the Saint Augustine area.

With the Saint Augustine launch, an additional 300 square miles and more than 50,000 residents in St. Johns County now have access to wireless broadband service on the state's most reliable network. The Verizon Wireless broadband network also is available throughout most of Southwest and Southeast Florida, and in the Orlando and Tallahassee markets.

The multi-million-dollar expansion entailed installing high-tech wireless hardware and software in dozens of wireless transmission sites, and links the area to the high-speed wireless network already serving Jacksonville. The Saint Augustine expansion is part of an ongoing network investment by Verizon Wireless that has totaled more than $1 billion in the state and $30 billion nationally over the past six years.

"Saint Augustine is well known for preserving history and things very old, but it also is a dynamic community tech-savvy businesses, students and consumers," said Mike Lanman, Verizon Wireless Florida region president. "The launch of our broadband network here will provide access to the very latest wireless technology and services such as BroadbandAccess and V CAST Music and video."

BroadbandAccess allows customers to connect wirelessly to the Internet, download e-mail and applications, and log into their corporate servers via their laptop at broadband speeds. The technology provides mobile workers full access, productivity and security, just as if they were at their desks and attached via a high-speed wired connection, but with the freedom of true mobility.

The Verizon Wireless V CAST service gives customers access to short video content, downloadable music, and cutting-edge 3D games on their mobile phones. With V CAST, customers can get short video content on-demand, including current news, weather, sports and entertainment programming. And music lovers with a V CAST Music-enabled phone are able to download and play their favorite songs — all while on-the-go.

This wireless broadband experience is made possible by the Verizon Wireless EV-DO (evolution-data optimized) technology, with typical connection speeds of 400-700 kilobits per second (kbps).

In addition to allowing advanced applications such as BroadbandAccess and V CAST, the network upgrade in Saint Augustine will further strengthen the Verizon Wireless network in the event of hurricanes and other emergencies.

"A strong, reliable wireless network plays a priceless role in public safety in large-scale emergencies and every day," Lanman said. "Verizon Wireless will continue to heavily invest here to serve residents, businesses and visitors locally and across the state."

Test Man Ride-Along Program
The specially equipped Verizon Wireless test vehicles simultaneously test seven wireless providers, using a computerized program to generate phonically diverse "conversations" and data transmissions. Members of the media who are interested in setting up an interview or ride-along with a local member of the Verizon Wireless team of real-life test men and women, please contact Chuck Hamby at 813-615-4803 or via e-mail at chuck.hamby@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, 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 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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