Verizon Wireless Invests $34 Million In 2008 To Enhance Network In Portions Of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Verizon Wireless announced today it invested $34 million in 2008 to enhance its digital network in portions of West Virginia, including Charleston, Huntington, Clarksburg and Wheeling. The enhancements included building new cell sites, increasing new coverage and capacity within existing coverage areas, and completing its high-speed wireless broadband network expansion across its West Virginia coverage area.

“Customers can expect Verizon Wireless to continue investing in our West Virginia network in 2009,” said Roger Tang, president – Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia region, Verizon Wireless. “We’re very focused on integrating the Verizon Wireless and Alltel networks, building out new coverage areas and increasing capacity where we already have service, so that our more than 80 million customers across the state and nation can rely on their wireless devices to keep in touch and stay connected.”

Since acquiring West Virginia Wireless in 2007, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $54 million on improvements to its network in the state, including the following upgrades made in 2008:

• Eighty new cell sites were activated statewide to improve network coverage and capacity, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make voice calls; send and receive e-mail and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.
• Permanent backup generators were installed at an additional 81 West Virginia cell sites to ensure network functionality during times of crisis.
• The company’s high-speed wireless broadband network was expanded to 97 cell sites across the northwestern portion of the state. With the upgraded network, Verizon Wireless customers are enjoying 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.

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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