Verizon Wireless Boosts Cellular Service For Alaska Airlines Disaster Anniversary Memorial

IRVINE, CA — In preparation for the commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the Alaska Airlines Flight 261 disaster, Verizon Wireless has added capacity to select cell sites in Ventura, Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Westlake. The increased capacity will provide enhanced coverage for wireless users among the 1,000 family members and friends expected to attend the memorial service this week (January 29 - February 2) in Ventura County, Calif.

"Typically, our network capacity in Ventura is more than sufficient to meet the needs of local wireless users, but we are anticipating very high call volumes as visitors call friends back home to share their experiences and make day-to-day plans during this week of remembrance," said Regional President Mike Finley. "Boosting our network capacity for this week will allow us to continue to provide quality service to both local and visiting wireless users."

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with 27.5 million wireless voice and data 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 (NYSE and LSE: VOD). The new company includes the assets of Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless, PrimeCo Personal Communications and AirTouch Paging. The 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 Bedminster, NJ, is 38,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

####