Verizon Wireless Wins Georgia Technology Contract

ALPHARETTA, GA — Verizon Wireless, America's best, most reliable wireless network, today announced it was awarded a contract to provide wireless voice and data services to all state, local and county government agencies and municipalities throughout the State of Georgia.

Because of Verizon Wireless' strong history working with both federal and state agencies nationwide, the company is uniquely positioned to offer secure, reliable, wireless technology services and solutions to the entire Georgia government. In addition, Verizon Wireless offers statewide coverage for both voice and data services, which aligns with the state's goal to expand economic growth by bringing technology to outlining areas.

Verizon Wireless' network is built on CDMA technology, which was originally developed for military applications. Consequently, Verizon Wireless provides reliable and expansive network security that is critical for government entities. To further enhance the state government mobile workforce, Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess service, currently available in Metro Atlanta, delivers the fastest commercially available high-speed wide-area wireless Internet access service in the nation, with typical user speeds of 300-500 kilobits per second (kbps). Verizon Wireless customers can quickly download complex files and view email attachments as well as access mission-critical data and applications, anywhere at anytime within the coverage area. This is the most widely available high-speed mobile wireless data experience in the nation today.

"The wireless contract is part of an effort to more efficiently obtain and effectively use wireless devices and services. These resources are needed at every level of government to help us stay connected and meet our goals," said Tom Wade, GTA executive director and Georgia's chief information officer.

"We're thrilled to have been chosen to provide the best wireless service to our government employees throughout Georgia," says Jim McGean, president of Georgia and Alabama for Verizon Wireless. "We will continue to deliver the highest-quality, most reliable wireless network, the best customer service and valuable products and services."

Verizon Wireless will offer discount wireless packages to more than 500,000 government employees, including state, county and city employees as well as 61 public universities and colleges. Additionally, with the completion of local number portability in 2004, all Georgia government employees can easily bring their existing wireless number with them to Verizon Wireless.

Verizon Wireless is committed to delivering the best, most reliable network. In Georgia in 2004, Verizon Wireless made significant wireless network investments of more than $170 million in Georgia and plans to further enhance and expand its wireless network in 2005. The overall investment added network coverage and capacity across the state, including sizeable investments in rural and suburban markets, continuing to deliver on the company's "best network" promise.

"Verizon Wireless is dedicated to enhancing technology services and furthering technology in the state," said Mark Bartolomeo, Director of Business Services, Verizon Wireless. "Providing the more than 500,000 government employees statewide with a quality wireless network, superior customer service and distribution and innovative products is our focus."

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, 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. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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