Verizon Wireless Invests Nearly $25.9 Million In 2008 To Enhance South Dakota Network

SIOUX FALLS, SD — Verizon Wireless announced today it invested $25.9 million in 2008 to enhance its network in South Dakota. The enhancements included building new – and upgrading existing – cell sites, increasing new coverage areas and capacity within existing coverage areas, and expanding its wireless broadband network across the state, including Rapid City, Pierre and Sioux Falls.

“In 2009 we will continue to make improvements to our network in South 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 $200 million over the past eight years on improvements to its network in South Dakota, including the following upgrades made in 2008:

• Fourteen 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 15 existing cell sites throughout the state was upgraded, which further improved network capacity.
• Seven permanent backup generators were installed at South Dakota cell sites to ensure network functionality during times of crisis.
• The company’s high-speed wireless network was expanded to 39 additional cell sites across South Dakota, including in and around Sioux Falls, with contiguous coverage along Interstate 90 to Rapid City and coverage just north of I-90, including Pierre, among other areas. The high-speed 3G wireless network provides Verizon Wireless customers in major South Dakota markets with access to two prime services:
  • Mobile Broadband, the enhanced high-speed wireless service that equips Verizon Wireless’ business customers with a truly untethered mobile office experience, enabling them to wirelessly access their calendars, the Internet, e-mail and critical business information residing behind their companies’ firewalls; and
  • V CAST, a consumer-oriented multimedia service that gives customers access to the most comprehensive selection of downloadable music, high-quality videos and the coolest 3D games found anywhere.

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 South 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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