Wisconsin Students Are Back in Class with More Than Just Books in Their Hands

MILWAUKEE, WI — With thousands of Wisconsin students back in class, many are finding that a backpack and a protractor just won't cut it any more. In significant numbers, students and parents are finding wireless phones to be a useful tool when doing homework, studying or keeping track of family activities.

But because of the rapid developments in wireless technology, it can be overwhelming for both parents and students to know which phone and rate plan are "right" for them. There are five questions every wireless user should consider when shopping for a new wireless phone and rate plan:

• How often do I expect to use my wireless phone?
• Where am I going to be calling to and from the most?
• Does the wireless service provider I'm considering have a strong network everywhere I need it? (More) 
• Does the wireless service provider I'm considering offer flexibility in the service agreement? For example, can I change my rate plan without any penalties?
• Do I plan to use my phone for accessing the Internet or taking and sending pictures?

Choosing the Right Phone and Plan for Your Family

For many families, keeping on budget tops the priority list. Keeping parents in mind, Verizon Wireless offers customers a Family SharePlan®. With this plan, an entire family can share minutes on one account, making it perfect for families with multiple teenagers who always seem to be on the go. Another budget saving plan for Verizon Wireless customers is the National IN (In Network) calling plan where they are able to call any Verizon Wireless customer anytime, anywhere from the National IN Calling Coverage Area without using their allowance minutes.

In addition, Verizon Wireless' Get It Now® educational applications are perfect for students. Educational downloads include tools that translate English to Spanish, French, German, even Italian, and come complete with phrase book, a verb conjugator and study quizzes. Get It Now also features important English reference guides including a dictionary and thesaurus.

Busy, on-the-go parents who are looking to keep track of the family's schedule will find Verizon Wireless smartphones helpful. Smartphones are web-ready, wireless handsets that combine the best of a personal digital assistant (PDA) with the connectivity of a wireless phone. Parents are able to keep track of the family by scheduling school functions, business meetings, after school activities and more right into their wireless phone. And because smartphones are Web-ready customers are able to access email and surf the Web anywhere, anytime.

All the services listed above are available at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, at participating Circuit City and RadioShack locations, and on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 40.4 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.  

About Get It Now
Get It Now from Verizon Wireless puts a virtual software store inside a wireless phone and lets customers download applications over the air and purchase them directly from their phones. Virtual shopping aisles, including getGAMES, getTONES, getGOING, getPIX, getFUN and getMESSAGING, are organized to help customers find what they want, when they want it.

Editor's Note: If you would like to learn more about the five points of choosing "the right wireless plan and equipment," and hear about the hottest new wireless phones and accessories for students, contact Beth Crivello at (414) 291-0912, ext. 122, or via email at beth@corecreative.com.  

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