Verizon Wireless Again Expands Its Network In Georgia

ALPHARETTA, GA — In its continuing effort to provide the best wireless service in Georgia, Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, has again expanded its statewide network with additional cell sites and enhanced coverage capacity in 15 markets across the state. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $100-million to date in 2005 in Georgia.

As a result of the network investments and new cell sites, coverage and capacity have been enhanced in the following areas:

• Augusta — along I-20, US 178 in Batesburg, Highways 221, 104 and 150 and in the Clark Hill area
• Bainbridge — and along Hwy 84 and in the Climax area
• Barnesville
• Canton — and along Highways 140 and 575
• Dalton
• Duluth
• Dunwoody
• LaGrange
• Marietta
• Norcross
• North Atlanta — along the top end of the perimeter and along GA 400
• Sandy Springs
• Savannah — Fort Stewart and Hinesville areas
• Smyrna
• Thomaston

The new cell sites and enhanced capacity are part of Verizon Wireless' aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand in Georgia for the company's voice and data services, including TXT Messaging, Picture Messaging, NationalAccess, BroadbandAccess high speed wireless Internet access, V CAST multimedia services and Get It Now® ring tones, games, productivity applications and more.

All enhanced coverage is the direct result of network studies, designed to improve Verizon Wireless network performance. The company's real-life test men and women, who inspired the company's national advertising campaign, are Verizon Wireless engineers who make more than 3.5 million test calls nationwide on Verizon Wireless' and other wireless carriers' networks, riding in specially-equipped, company-owned test vehicles, and traveling more than one million miles a year -- about half the distance from earth to the moon. In fact, the company's 'most reliable wireless network in the nation' claim is based on these network studies.

The company's long tradition of investment in its network, including stringent quality testing, is rooted in Verizon Wireless' commitment to offer the most reliable wireless service. Verizon Wireless has regularly invested more than $4 billion nationally each year since its inception -- and more than $5 billion last year alone -- to expand and upgrade its nationwide wireless network.

"Customers choose Verizon Wireless and stay with us because they know they'll get wireless service they can depend on," said Jim McGean, Verizon Wireless Georgia/Alabama region president. "The company's continued investment in its premier wireless network and its strong customer service focus are the drivers behind our industry-leading growth."

Demand for Verizon Wireless services was unprecedented in 2004 as the company added a record 6.3 million net new customers, more than any other U.S. wireless provider. As of the end of the second quarter 2005, the company served nearly 47.4 million customers nationwide.

Verizon Wireless is the nation's wireless leader in customer loyalty, based on company retention and turnover rates published by the largest providers; owner and operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network and the only widely available wide-area wireless broadband network in the United States; and the wireless company at the top of more third-party surveys of customer satisfaction.

EDITORS NOTE: Test Man Ride-Along Program for the News Media
Specially-equipped Verizon Wireless test vehicles simultaneously test the Verizon Wireless network as well as the networks of as many as seven other wireless providers, using a mobile laptop computer to generate phonically diverse "conversations." If one of your reporters is interested in setting up an interview or ride-along test drive with your locally-based Verizon Wireless test man or woman, please contact Caran Smith at (678) 339-4891.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 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 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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