Verizon Wireless Helping Customers Stay Connected In Areas Impacted By Recent Storms

TUSCALOOSA, AL — In the week following devastating tornadoes in Alabama, Verizon Wireless has restored virtually all coverage impacted by the storms and boosted capacity for customers throughout the state.

“The suddenness and power of these storms reminds us all how crucial it is for a wireless company to not only be prepared, but to be prepared to recover quickly,” said Jeff Mango, president – Georgia/Alabama region at Verizon Wireless. “Over the past week, our network teams have worked round the clock to strengthen our network and deploy assets to keep lines of communication open so customers can count on their wireless service when they need it most.”

A newly posted video “Alabama Tornadoes” takes viewers to some of the hardest hit areas in Alabama where Verizon Wireless network teams have been working to restore the company’s network and increase capacity. “Alabama Tornadoes” also includes video of a tornado in Cullman, Ala., taken by a Verizon Wireless employee on their DROID X by Motorola and interviews Verizon Wireless customers who have relied on their wireless service in the wake of storms to stay in touch with friends and family and get in contact with insurers, government officials and others assisting in the communities’ recovery.

Verizon Wireless dispatched Cells on Wheels (COWs) in Tuscaloosa, Phil Campbell and Pleasant Grove to boost coverage in three of the hardest hit areas of the state. Temporary towers are operating in Cullman, Centreville, Jasper and east of Lake Martin to replace towers that were downed or badly damaged. Verizon Wireless also added capacity in Bessemer, Birmingham, Decatur, Guntersville, Hueytown and Midfield to accommodate customers’ increased calling and data usage.

In addition, all Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in the storm-struck areas are open to customers and others who need assistance with their wireless service, including free calling and phone charging service. For a list of Verizon Wireless Communications Stores with charging stations, phones and retail service, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/news/article/2011/05/pr2011-05-03d.html.html.

Verizon Wireless prepares year-round for natural disasters and other emergencies so that customers can rely on the company’s network to keep them connected when the unexpected happens. For up-to-the-minute information about Verizon Wireless network operations in Alabama and across the country, visit the Emergency Information Center and follow @VZWNetwork on Twitter. To learn more about the company’s ongoing network enhancements, visit www.verizon.com/about.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: 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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