Verizon Wireless And Lucent Technologies To Launch CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Network Trial In Washington, D.C. Area

ORLANDO, FL — Verizon Wireless and Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) today announced plans to launch a data-optimized CDMA2000, or 1xEV-DO, trial network in the Washington, D.C. area next month, providing select business customers with secure mobile access to corporate applications such as e-mail and intranets at data transmission speeds of up to 2.4 Megabits per second (Mbps).

This trial network, using CDMA2000 1xEV-DO equipment supplied by Lucent, paves the way for the introduction of even faster data speeds than currently available on the Verizon Wireless 1XRTT Express Network. It complements the current rollout of 3G-1X voice and packet data services by providing higher data capacity and throughput.

By providing secure mobile Internet Protocol (IP) virtual private network (VPN) connections on this high-speed data network, business customers can access the Verizon Wireless network as an extension of their corporate local area network (LAN) or intranet, allowing them to work from any location as if they were in the office.

"We have had tremendous success with our 1XRTT Express Network launch and with an eye toward the future, we are sowing the seeds for the rollout of the next evolution of this technology," said Bill Stone, Executive Director, Network Strategy for Verizon Wireless. "Using 1xEV-DO technology, we have the potential to deliver mobile data speeds on our Express Network that are comparable to most landline connections."

Several devices will be used to test the 1xEV-DO network, including wireless PC cards and embedded modules from AirPrime and Sierra Wireless. Additionally, Compaq will supply its Evo Notebook N600c with the Compaq 1xEV-DO MultiPort Module.

To enable the 1xEV-DO technology trial, Lucent will upgrade its commercial Flexent® CDMA base stations with channel cards and software. In addition, Lucent will supply its Flexent Mobility Server to provide an open IP interface to the data network.

"The commercial deployment of this higher-speed mobile data pilot network will help Verizon Wireless' business customers enhance the productivity of their workforce," said Frank Noviello, assistant vice president of sales for Lucent's Mobility Solutions Group.

"Verizon Wireless continues to deliver cutting-edge technology on its network and we look forward to helping them enhance their network cost-effectively and reliably."

Verizon Wireless and Lucent Technologies are demonstrating live over-the-air data transmissions at speeds of up to 2.4 Mbps using Lucent's 3G CDMA2000 1xEV-DO equipment at Lucent's booth (number 2939) at the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association Wireless 2002 show, taking place March 18-20 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Advanced services, including e-mail and streaming video, are being delivered via laptops and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

About Lucent Technologies

Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, designs and delivers networks for the world's largest communications service providers. Backed by Bell Labs research and development, Lucent relies on its strengths in mobility, optical, data and voice networking technologies as well as software and services to develop next-generation networks. The company's systems, services and software are designed to help customers quickly deploy and better manage their networks and create new, revenue-generating services that help businesses and consumers. For more information on Lucent Technologies, visit its Web site at http://www.lucent.com.

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.

To update your profile or remove yourself from automatic News Delivery, please visit the Verizon Wireless Customized News Service Center.

####