Verizon Wireless Purchases SureWest Communications' Wireless Assets In Northern California

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless announced today it has purchased the wireless assets of SureWest Communications, operating as SureWest Wireless, for $69.0 million.

The purchase includes SureWest Wireless' spectrum licenses, and network and operations assets in the greater Sacramento area. The licenses, which cover a population of 3.8 million people and overlap with areas currently served by Verizon Wireless, will expand the company's capacity in that area.

Verizon Wireless will transition SureWest Wireless' approximately 50,000 customers to the Verizon Wireless network by late summer, after a billing system conversion has been completed. Customers will enjoy service on the nation's most reliable wireless network, including the company's high-speed broadband network for accessing the Internet and e-mail, and downloading music, games and videos.

Verizon Wireless will notify customers in the coming months about new services and options that will be available to them when the transition is complete. Until that time, customers will continue on their SureWest Wireless plans.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $45 billion since it was formed — $5.5 billion on average every year — to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 67.2 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: 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.

####