Verizon Wireless Issues Best Network Challenge

GREENVILLE, SC — Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless communications provider, today announced it has launched the Best Network Challenge, a campaign asking consumers to compare wireless carriers on a number of key criteria.

The Best Network Challenge urges consumers to evaluate wireless carriers on such attributes as network performance, availability of advanced data services, customer support and overall value. The challenge will be issued to consumers throughout the South, including here in the Carolinas, through print and radio ads, in-store materials and a variety of other communications.

"We want people to experience for themselves the quality and technological advances of nation's largest digital network," said Verizon Wireless Carolinas Region President Jerry Fountain. "And we're so confident that consumers will prefer the reliability, flexibility and advanced features of our service that we're encouraging them to try Verizon Wireless and experience the difference for themselves."

Verizon Wireless is backing up the Best Network Challenge with the company's Worry Free GuaranteeSM. It states that, if customers aren't completely satisfied with their Verizon Wireless service within the first 15 days, they can end their agreement and pay for only the service they have used.

While other carriers make various network claims, Verizon Wireless' network covers more of the U.S. than any of its competitors. In fact, customers on Verizon Wireless' America's ChoiceSM plan can enjoy access to a network that covers 90 percent of the U.S. population, with no roaming or long-distance charges. Further, Verizon Wireless relies solely upon CDMA technology - considered one of the most reliable wireless communications platforms - for enhanced clarity and dependability.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $8 billion in the last two years to enhance its network. The company's 1XRTT Express Network, which offers customers even more advanced data services and faster transmission speeds, was recently launched in the Northeast as well as parts of California and Utah, with an aggressive rollout schedule planned for the balance of the year.

"We continue to invest in providing Verizon Wireless customers with the best wireless network in the U.S.," said Verizon Wireless South Area president Jack Plating. "Even our new ads featuring the Test Man demonstrate our commitment to constantly evaluating the effectiveness of our network. In fact, Verizon Wireless network engineers will place more than 50 million test calls this year as part of our ongoing effort to provide service that's as reliable as tomorrow's sunrise."

Verizon Wireless operates 48 of retail locations in the Carolinas. For more information, contact the nearest Verizon Wireless store or call 1-800-2-JOIN-IN.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications and Internet services. The company has the largest nationwide wireless network and 29 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Reporters and editors can find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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