Verizon Wireless Completes $88 Million Network Enhancement In Louisiana

SHREVEPORT, LA — Verizon Wireless announced today that it invested more than $88 million in 2009 on new cell sites, network facilities and numerous other projects to expand and enhance services and coverage for wireless customers throughout Louisiana. 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 55 new cell sites throughout Louisiana 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.

“We launched some amazing products last year – such as the DROID by Motorola, but the most advanced device is only as good as the network it runs on,” said Frank Antonacci, region president for Verizon Wireless. “That is why we aggressively invest in our network in Louisiana and nationwide to increase coverage and capacity for our customers, add new services and maintain our 3G network superiority.”

Verizon Wireless’ network technicians (who serve as the inspiration for the famous TV Test Man ad campaign) traveled more than 21,500 miles across Louisiana 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.

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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