Verizon Wireless Reaffirms Commitment To Supplier Diversity

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless carrier, today reaffirmed its commitment to supplier diversity by launching a Web-based system, the Supplier Registration Program (SRP), for suppliers seeking to participate in its corporate procurement program. The Web site is available at http://www.verizonwireless.com/jsp/aboutus/supplier.jsp. The SRP covers a wide range of service areas including marketing and advertising, computer hardware and software as well as cellular transmission and microwave equipment.

Especially encouraged to register are certified minority, woman and/or disabled-veteran owned business enterprises and certified small businesses (MWDVBEs), will be asked to provide proof of certification from such organizations as the Small Business Administration, Minority Supplier Diversity Council or Women's Business Development Center.

The Verizon Wireless Procurement Department will collect details on the applicant's business ownership and a description of the product or service they provide. That information will be filed in the department's database and provided to contracting organizations within the company. When there is a match between the supplier's products or services and Verizon Wireless' needs, the supplier will be provided the opportunity to compete on an equal basis with other potential suppliers for the provision of products and services.

"The SRP provides an easy entry point for companies wishing to do business with us. As an industry leader servicing a large, diverse customer population we recognize our responsibility to reach out to a diverse supplier pool," noted Patricia L. Keitchen, associate director - procurement, for Verizon Wireless. "Verizon Wireless provides service in virtually every major U.S. market, which means the scale and scope of our operation is broad and we rely on many business partners at the community level to supply us with goods and services."

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 28 million wireless voice and data customers. The coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD), including Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless and PrimeCo Personal Communications. Verizon Wireless has a footprint covering more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 97 of the top 100 U.S. markets. The company, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 40,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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