Verizon Wireless Introduces Local Digital Prepay Phone In A Box To Southern California Consumers

IRVINE, CA — Verizon Wireless makes getting started with digital wireless service in Southern California more convenient with its new Local Digital Prepay Phone In A Box. The new, all-in-one phone-and-service product provides the flexibility to purchase airtime on a pay-as-you-go basis, and is now available at Verizon Wireless Communication Stores, and participating authorized agents and retailers throughout Southern California.

The new Local Digital Prepay Phone In A Box offers many benefits of Verizon Wireless' digital service, including enhanced call quality and longer battery life, and is a fast and easy way to get started on wireless service because there are no credit checks, long-term service agreements, deposits or monthly bills. It also gives budget-conscious consumers an affordable wireless solution that can be activated anywhere in Verizon Wireless' Southern California service area.

"We recognized that many people would like to have digital wireless service, but are unclear about how to begin," said Regional President Mike Finley. "Our Local Digital Prepay Phone In A Box offers an easy solution, created for those who like the convenience and simplicity of buying an all-inclusive wireless package that includes the added benefits of digital service."

Verizon Wireless Digital Prepay replenishment cards are available at thousands of retail locations throughout Southern California, including all Verizon Wireless Communication Stores, and participating Radio Shack, 7-Eleven, Circle K, am/pm, Texaco Star and Thrifty Oil/Sunshine Food Store locations.

"We wanted to reach out to our customers to provide prepay replenishment cards in the places they frequently drive by or visit near their home or work," said Finley. "Convenience stores and wireless service are a perfect match in Southern California's mobile society. They both offer accessibility, ease-of-use and are there when you need things fast."

The Verizon Wireless Local Digital Prepay Phone In A Box includes a Qualcomm 860 digital phone, battery, charger and 60 minutes of prepay airtime with a 60-day expiration. The package is now available for only $99.99. Once prepay service is established, customers can replenish their local prepay account with $30, $50, $75 or $150 replacement cards, which offer local and long distance calling for as little as 20 cents per minute.

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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