Midlands, South Carolina Residents Receive Improved Cellular Coverage With Verizon Wireless' Investment

Columbia, SC — Verizon Wireless, the only major carrier with a 30-day network test-drive pledge that pays for calls if a customer isn't satisfied and switches to another carrier, today announced enhanced network coverage in and around Columbia, South Carolina. As a result of the company's investment in equipment and wireless technology, Verizon Wireless customers will immediately see improved wireless coverage in the Midlands in the following areas:

• Between US-1 and US-521 in Camden
• North of I-20 on US-1 in northeast Camden
• Lexington side of Lake Murray
• Lexington County along Old Chapin Road, Wise Ferry Road and Old Cherokee Road
• In Lugoff on Screaming Eagle Road and South of Highway 601

The network enhancement enables more Verizon Wireless customers to use their wireless phones to make calls; send and receive email and TXT, Picture and Video Messages; and download games and Ring Tones while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

"Our continued investment in South Carolina consistently proves Verizon Wireless customers will receive the best wireless service available," said Jerry Fountain, president of Verizon Wireless' Carolinas/Tennessee Region. "Dependable wireless service and high-quality customer service keep customers coming back year after year."

The enhancement in South Carolina's Midlands is part of Verizon Wireless' continual effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in South Carolina. In 2006, Verizon Wireless invested $131.6 million to build, maintain and expand its high-quality network, and since 2000, the company has spent $445 million in South Carolina to ensure network reliability and expanded coverage and capacity. On a national level, Verizon Wireless spent $35 billion nationwide over the last seven years to ensure network reliability and expanded coverage and capacity.

Demand for Verizon Wireless services continued last year when the company added nearly eight million new customers, more than any other wireless carrier, and improved upon its industry-leading customer retention rates. Verizon Wireless now serves more than 59 million customers nationwide.

* Network details at www.verizonwireless.com/bestnetwork.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving more than 59 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, NJ, with 65,000 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.  

EDITORS NOTE: Test Man Ride-Along Program for the News Media
Specially-equipped Verizon Wireless test vehicles simultaneously test the Verizon Wireless network as well as the networks of as many as seven other wireless providers, using a mobile laptop computer to generate phonically diverse "conversations." If one of your reporters is interested in setting up an interview or ride-along test drive with your locally-based Verizon Wireless test man or woman, please contact Jared Kelowitz at 864-233-3776, ext. 24.

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