COWs Await Race Fans At Talladega Superspeedway In Alabama

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BIRMINGHAM, AL — When race fans converge on Talladega in October, they'll have one more thing to cheer about -- COWs. Verizon Wireless, owner and operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, is installing four Cell on Wheels (COWs) and a permanent new cell site to handle the increased volume of calls expected during the highly anticipated race weekend. When the engines start on October 1, fans can count on the reliability of the Verizon Wireless network.

The racing action will begin when the Talladega Superspeedway welcomes thousands of visitors for the UAW-Ford 500. Wireless activity will rise significantly as fans, media, public safety officers and personnel visit the area. In an effort to handle heavy call volume and data messages, Verizon Wireless is installing a permanent cell site and four Cell-on-Wheels to increase network coverage and capacity during race time.

The permanent site will allow Verizon Wireless customers to enjoy enhanced coverage beyond race weekend. Located north of the Talladega Superspeedway, the site will provide coverage to the Speedway and along Interstate 20, Highway 78, SR 77 and a host of rural roads in the area.

Verizon Wireless is making significant network investments in Talladega as part of its efforts to strengthen its statewide wireless network. The company has added cell sites and improved coverage capacity in more than 15 markets throughout Alabama. It has invested more than $150 million to date in 2005 in Alabama and Georgia and plans to further enhance and expand its wireless network in 2006.

The Cell on Wheels has the same call capacity as a freestanding cell site. It is a fully functional, generator-powered mobile cell site that can handle both CDMA digital calls and wireless data and Internet service. The four Verizon Wireless COWs and the permanent site will provide the additional capacity needed to serve the estimated 100,000 + race fans that will attend the event.

"We know that wireless service will be in high demand race weekend," said Jim McGean, Verizon Wireless Alabama/Georgia region president. "We want race fans to have great coverage wherever they are. That's why our COWs are positioned within a half mile of the track. Our reliable network will ensure that everyone from fans to race officials to media will stay connected in Talladega for the entire weekend and beyond."

Editor's Note: To view a photo of a COW, or one of the company's Network Operations Centers, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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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