Wireless Broadband Network Speeds Into Sebring, Florida

SEBRING, FL — High-performance modern racers and classic motoring cars won't be the only things speeding around Sebring these days. Verizon Wireless has launched its new high-speed wireless broadband network here to bring Sebring residents, businesses and raceway visitors the latest wireless technology and services.

Available today, the new BroadbandAccess network allows customers to utilize the most modern high-speed productivity and entertainment applications and services on their wireless phones, laptop computers and other wireless devices.

The multi-million dollar network expansion entailed installing high-tech wireless hardware and software in dozens of wireless transmission sites featuring Verizon Wireless Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) technology, with typical connection speeds of 400-700 kilobits per second (kbps).

With this local launch, the new high-speed network covers 775 square miles and 155,000 residents in the Sebring area. The expansion is part of the Verizon Wireless national rollout of wireless broadband services which are already available in other major Florida markets.

The expansion is part of an ongoing network investment by Verizon Wireless that has totaled more than $1 billion in the state and $35 billion nationally over the past seven years.

"Sebring is a growing, dynamic place for local and worldwide visitors because of its famous speedway and so much more," said Mike Lanman, Florida region president for Verizon Wireless. "We've invested heavily to be able to provide the entire area with access to the most advanced wireless 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.

Product/Service Details

For a limited time, Verizon Wireless customers with an existing voice plan can receive unlimited BroadbandAccess service for $59.99 monthly access with a new two-year customer agreement. Otherwise, BroadbandAccess is available for $79.99 monthly access with a new one- or two-year customer agreement. BroadbandAccess also is available as an integrated option on select notebook computers, including laptops from Dell, Lenovo, HP and Toshiba.

Wireless PC Cards for BroadbandAccess customers include the Verizon Wireless PC 5740, Verizon Wireless V620 and Kyocera KPC 650. A new Novatel Wireless V640 ExpressCard is available for laptop owners with ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54 slots rather than a traditional PCMCIA slot. In addition, several handsets have the ability to "tether" to a laptop's USB port, with the purchase of a Mobile Office Kit. BroadbandAccess-powered PDAs offered by Verizon Wireless include the Motorola Q™, the Palm^® Treo™ 700w and the Palm Treo 700p. Popular BlackBerry^® options include the new 8703e, the 7250 and 7130e.

To access V CAST video and games, customers need a V CAST-enabled handset and a $15.00 monthly subscription added to their Verizon Wireless calling plan.

Customers with a V CAST Music-enabled handset can pay as they go to download songs directly to their phone for $1.99 per song plus airtime, download songs to their PC for 99 cents, and transfer their existing compatible digital music collection to their V CAST Music-enabled handset or memory card at no charge from their PC. Purchases from the handset include two copies of every song, one for the handset and one for the PC. Currently, nearly 20 music capable handsets are available, including the popular Chocolate by LG and the Motorola RAZR V3m.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a local Verizon Wireless Communications Store or go to www.verizonwireless.com.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 57 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 60,000 employees nationwide. The company 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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