Verizon Wireless Completes $25.6 Million Enhancement To Kentucky Network In 2004

LOUISVILLE, KY — Verizon Wireless announced today it has completed a $25.6 million investment for 2004 to enhance the company's digital network in Kentucky by upgrading transmission sites and technology to improve call quality, increase coverage areas and enable a variety of advanced services such as TXT and Video Messaging and other applications.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $75 million over the past three years in Kentucky network upgrades alone.

"As this large investment makes clear, we're not letting up in our mission to keep delivering the most reliable wireless network in Kentucky," said Greg Haller, president—Kentucky/Michigan/Indiana Region, Verizon Wireless. "Kentucky is an especially important market due to its growing customer base, thriving college communities and demand for the latest wireless technology, and we're working hard and investing a lot to have the best network here."

Network upgrade highlights for 2004 include:

• 14 new cell sites were activated across the state to improve coverage and capacity.
• Equipment on 38 existing cell sites across Kentucky was upgraded to increase capacity, enabling more customers to use their phones concurrently.
• 59 permanent backup generators were installed at Kentucky cell sites to ensure network functionality during times of crisis.

In addition to improving new services and everyday wireless calling coverage, the Verizon Wireless network investment is designed to enhance public safety. Resources including Cell On Light Truck (COLT) vehicles are available for immediate dispatch to the site of any emergency. These vehicles are fully self-contained for rapid deployment and extended service.

"We have spent our first, and we will spend our last dollar on our network because having the best and strongest network is our top priority in Kentucky as well as across the nation," said Haller. "With the network investment we made in 2004, we will continue to provide our Kentucky customers with the most reliable network in the Commonwealth."

Test Man Ride-Along Program
The specially equipped Verizon Wireless test vehicles simultaneously test as many as eight wireless providers, using a computerized program to generate phonically diverse "conversations" as well as data transmissions. Members of the media who are interested in setting up an interview or ride-along with a local member of the Verizon Wireless team of real-life test men and women, can contact Michelle Gilbert at (248) 915-3680 or via e-mail at Michelle.Gilbert@VerizonWireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, N.J., 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. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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