Verizon Wireless Ranked Top In Customer Satisfaction Among Wireless Users In 9 Markets

Bedminster, NJ — Verizon Wireless ranked highest in overall customer satisfaction among wireless users in nine markets, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2000 U.S. Wireless Customer Satisfaction Study^sm released today. The markets include Boston, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, St. Louis and Washington/Baltimore.

As the new nationwide wireless service provider, Verizon Wireless serves 25 million wireless customers - one-quarter of all U.S. wireless customers - and has a presence in 19 of the 22 markets ranked in the J.D. Power and Associates study.

As the first formal ranking of customer satisfaction since the formation of the company, this year's J.D. Power study shows Verizon Wireless has met a benchmark for customer satisfaction in those regions where it ranks highest.

"We believe receiving these J.D. Power and Associates awards is the ultimate in customer recognition, but the true reward of this honor is knowing our customers are satisfied with the services and options we can offer them as the new Verizon Wireless," said Denny Strigl, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless. "Our name has changed, our bills may look different, but what hasn't changed is our commitment to every customer that signs up for service."

Call quality was the most important factor in determining overall satisfaction. Other factors, in order of importance, were pricing options, corporate capability, customer service, cost of roaming, handsets and billing.

"We believe our top ranking in this J.D. Power and Associates study results not only from our strong customer commitment, but also from our commitment to every community in which we serve," said Strigl.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 25 million wireless voice and data customers and nearly 4 million paging customers. The new coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Bell Atlantic Corp. and GTE Corp - now Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) - and Vodafone AirTouch Plc (LSE:VOD; NYSE:VOD). The new company includes the assets of Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless, PrimeCo Personal Communications and AirTouch Paging. The new company has a footprint covering nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets.

Verizon Wireless, headquartered in New York City and Bedminster, NJ, is 30,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company in its Media Center on the Web at: http://www.verizonwireless.com/mediacenter.

####