Verizon Wireless Invests $20.9 Million In 2008 To Enhance North Dakota Network

FARGO, ND — Verizon Wireless announced today it invested $20.9 million in 2008 to enhance its network in North Dakota. The enhancements included building new – and upgrading existing – cell sites and increasing coverage area and capacity.

“In 2009 we will continue to make improvements to our network in North Dakota,” said Nancy B. Clark, president – Great Plains region, Verizon Wireless. “We realize network reliability – getting through on the first try and maintaining a connection – is critical to our customers. We continue to optimize our network so that we can provide the best overall experience to our customers.”

Verizon Wireless has invested $150.3 million over the past eight years on improvements to its network in North Dakota, including the following upgrades made in 2008:

• Twenty-seven new cell sites were activated statewide to improve network coverage and capacity, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls; send and receive e-mail and text, picture and video messages; download music, games and ringtones; and view high-quality videos while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.
• Equipment on eight existing cell sites throughout the state was upgraded, which further improved network capacity.
• One permanent backup generator was installed at a North Dakota cell site to ensure network functionality during times of crisis.

These network improvements are part of Verizon Wireless’ continual effort to expand coverage, improve capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in North Dakota and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $50 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 and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 80 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit 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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