Verizon Wireless Increases Wireless Broadband Capacity Across Southern Tier Of New York

BINGHAMTON, NY — Verizon Wireless announced today it has increased its wireless broadband capacity on its Binghamton and Southern Tier-area network. The additional capacity, added to more than 20 local cell sites, will help the company stay ahead of the growing demand for wireless Internet access as more of its customers switch to smartphones and adopt wireless data services such as V CAST and V CAST Music with Rhapsody, and Mobile Broadband, the company’s high-speed wireless broadband network geared toward mobile professionals and business customers. Verizon Wireless launched its Mobile Broadband service in the Binghamton area in December 2006.

“As wireless service evolves, more and more customers are discovering the benefits of wireless broadband connectivity,” said Marquett Smith, president of Verizon Wireless’ Upstate New York Region. “As more customers use our wireless data services, we need to increase our local network capacity to meet the increased demand.”

This network enhancement is part of the company’s aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless’ voice and data services. The company has invested more than $50 billion since it was formed to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. This year, the company plans to invest more than $100 million in its Upstate New York network, bringing its total network investment in the region to more than $1 billion since 2001.

Strong demand for Verizon Wireless’ services continued during the first quarter of 2009 as the company added 1.3 million net new customers. Verizon Wireless, the wireless company with the highest customer loyalty, reported the lowest customer turnover (highest customer loyalty) rate in the industry – 1.47 percent in the first quarter – for the 18th consecutive quarter.

The company’s “nation’s most reliable wireless network” reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country. These engineers drive about 90 specially equipped vehicles more than 1 million miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets. Test vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 3 million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless’ network and the networks of other carriers.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.  

EDITOR’S NOTE:
If you are interested in setting up an interview or ride-along test drive with your local Verizon Wireless test man or woman, please contact John O'Malley at 585-321-7264.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 86.6 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 86,000 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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