Verizon Wireless Brings Digital Service To Pueblo

PUEBLO, CO — After investing more than $10 million in its local network, the nation's largest wireless provider, Verizon Wireless today announced that it has extended its digital network into Pueblo. The availability of digital service in this area offers consumers a long list of benefits, including Caller ID, superior voice quality, longer battery life and enhanced privacy.

"Now travelers can drive from Pueblo to the northern Colorado border, along I-25, and benefit from Verizon Wireless' superior digital network for the entire trip," said Marni Walden, regional president for Verizon Wireless in the Mountain Region. "Introducing digital service in Pueblo supports the company's commitment to respond to the area's increasing population and its needs for enhanced wireless products."

The expansion of Verizon Wireless' digital coverage into Pueblo is part of the company's $4 billion investment to improve its extensive, nationwide wireless network for 2001.

Previously, Verizon Wireless offered only analog service in the area. Now that both digital and analog service is available, customers with dual-mode (analog/digital) phones will be able to take advantage of digital service immediately. At the same time, analog customers will continue to enjoy their existing coverage, and have the option to upgrade to a digital phone to enjoy the features and benefits of digital service, such as clearer calls with less background noise and longer battery life.

Bringing digital service to Pueblo also allows consumers to take advantage of Verizon Wireless' national SingleRate^SM plans. The plans offer no roaming or long distance charges nationwide.

"Pueblo customers have never had this much freedom and flexibility with their wireless service," Walden said. "For many, it will change the way they communicate and stay in touch."

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.

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