Verizon Wireless to Showcase Data Technology on Cyber Barge During Opsail 2000 Celebration

PHILADELPHIA — Verizon Wireless, formerly Bell Atlantic Mobile, will showcase data technology on "Cyber Barge" during the OpSail 2000 celebration to be held June 23 through June 29 in Philadelphia. Docked in the marina basin area of Philadelphia's Penn's Landing, "Cyber Barge" will feature Verizon Wireless' Web Access service, providing Internet access for the more than 2,400 sail training cadets and crew members on board the more than 24 large sailing vessels from around the world taking part in OpSail 2000. Philadelphia is the only stop on the OpSail 2000 tour of the east coast of the United States to host a Cyber Barge. OpSail 2000 promises to be one of the largest maritime events in the history of the Delaware River port.

The Cyber Barge, a 100' x 32' floating barge, will feature 12 walk-up stations equipped with wireless enabled laptops. According to Nick Zemlachenko, regional director for Verizon Wireless, "the Cyber Barge will utilize the latest wireless data technology to make possible instantaneous communication. We will establish an OpSail 2000 email account for each walk-up station, allowing the cadets and crew members to email family and friends about their visit to historic Philadelphia. Its user-friendly environment is set-up for easy access to email." The facility will be used exclusively by OpSail 2000's training cadets and crew members each day from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. from June 24 through June 29. In addition, Cyber Barge will be manned by Verizon Wireless' technical staff who will provide technical assistance for the users.

In addition, Verizon will provide users with access to a Wireless ATM. The ATM also uses the company's wireless data network, and operates without a landline connection.

Zemlachenko added, "The Cyber Barge Internet service is part of Verizon Wireless' Web Access family of services." Verizon Wireless provides access to its wireless data services through its existing network infrastructure, which supports its high-quality voice services.

The very same frequencies and towers which Verizon Wireless uses for its voice service also are used to operate this data technology. The network utilizes a worldwide standard called Internet Protocol (IP) which is accessible by using a wireless modem. This network provides the same reliable and secure network access as a landline connection.

Verizon Wireless' family of Web Access services are available beginning at $9.95 a month, in addition to a customer's voice plan. Web Access Internet Plus is $39.95 a month, and includes access to the Internet, intranets and an e-mail account.

For more information about Verizon Wireless visit: www.bam.com/philly/philly_prod.htm

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