Verizon Wireless Completes $268 Million Network Enhancement In Texas

DALLAS, TX — Verizon Wireless announced today that it invested more than $268 million in 2009 on new cell sites, network facilities and numerous other projects to expand and enhance services and coverage for wireless customers throughout Texas. This network expansion 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.

Highlights of network enhancements include the activation of 122 new cell sites throughout Texas and the integration and upgrade of former Alltel Wireless network facilities into the larger and more advanced Verizon Wireless network. The additional network investment enables more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls; send and receive e-mail and text, picture and video messages; view high-quality videos; access the Internet; and download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

“Verizon Wireless has the most reliable network in Texas and across the country,” said Frank Antonacci, region president for Verizon Wireless. “Last year, we aggressively invested in our 3G network to stay ahead our customers’ increasing demands for fast and secure wireless data services.”

Verizon Wireless’ network technicians (who serve as the inspiration for the famous TV Test Man ad campaign) traveled more than 99,000 miles across Texas in special test vehicles equipped with phones, wireless data devices and computers to measure the quality of voice and data calls on the Verizon Wireless network, as well as other carriers’ wireless networks. Test Men and Women also rolled out Cells On Wheels (COWs) to high-traffic events such as the SXSW Festival, Austin City Limits, Alamo Bowl and two NASCAR races to boost wireless coverage for fans, news media and local residents during the high-profile events.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $50 billion since the company was formed – $5.5 billion on average every year – to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving 89 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 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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