Residents Of Stark County, North Dakota, To Benefit From Verizon Wireless 3G Network Enhancements

GLADSTONE, ND — To continue to stay ahead of rising demand for wireless voice, 3G multimedia and Internet access, Verizon Wireless has expanded its local network in Stark County, North Dakota, by activating a new cell site.

The cell site, located near the intersection of Interstate 94 and 100 ½ Avenue in Gladstone, improves coverage in the Stark County area as follows:

• Two miles north on 100 and 100 ½ Avenue Southwest;
• Four and one-half miles south on 100 ½ Avenue Southwest;
• Six miles east on I-94 to Richardton;
• and four and one-half miles west on I-94 to Dickinson

The new cell site provides increased wireless voice and 3G data service in the Stark County area, which empowers more Verizon Wireless customers to rely on their wireless phones for social networking, Internet browsing, downloading apps, exchanging email and text, picture and video messaging, as well as making calls.

“North Dakotans are increasingly relying on smartphones and 3G applications to manage their busy lives and stay connected at home or on-the-go,” said Seamus Hyland, president–Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. “This new cell site is part of our continual investment in our network so our customers can use their devices when, where and how they need them.”

In addition to the ongoing investment in its 3G network, Verizon Wireless has introduced the globe’s first large-scale 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network which offers users average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink in real-world, fully-loaded network environments.

The company initially launched its 4G LTE network on December 5, 2010, covering more than 110 million Americans, and is quickly expanding national coverage. As of July 21, a total of 102 areas will be covered and the company will continue a phased market rollout so that by the end of 2013, the 4G LTE network will be available everywhere Verizon has its 3G network today.

This new cell site in Stark County is part of Verizon Wireless’ continual effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in North Dakota and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $65 billion since it was formed—$6 billion on average every year—to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. Since 2000, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $183 million on improvements to its wireless network in North Dakota.

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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