Wireless Phone Users Experience Clearer Reception, Fewer Dropped Calls at 2005 World Series in Chicago

CHICAGO, IL — With the biggest Major League Baseball game in Chicago in 46 years just a day away, Verizon Wireless has stepped up to the plate and enhanced its network to handle the increase in call volume that is expected during the 2005 World Series.

Compared to regular season games, Verizon Wireless expects its call volume to increase by 200% during the World Series games at White Sox stadium. As a result, the company recently installed a mobile transmission site at the stadium and upgraded equipment on several existing cell sites in the area that boosts calling capacity and will enable more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls, send and receive text and picture messages, and download games and ringtones while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

One COW (cell site on wheels) has also been positioned near the stadium. The COW is equipped with multiple voice channels, an EV-DO high-speed channel and a tower that telescopes 120 feet and can handle hundreds of phone calls and data transmissions simultaneously.

Additionally, a team of real-life, local test men and women have been checking the Verizon Wireless network throughout Chicagoland for weeks, making sure strong coverage blankets the area. Technicians will be on hand at the cell sites during the games to address any immediate needs, and system engineers will be closely monitoring network performance to make any necessary adjustments.

"A major reason our customers choose Verizon Wireless and stay with us is because we offer the nation's most reliable network," said Tracy Nolan, president—Illinois/Wisconsin Region, Verizon Wireless. "That is why we make such a commitment to ensure that our network stands up to its excellent reputation-for everyday use and during major events like the World Series."

Reliable service is fundamental to customer loyalty, and Verizon Wireless boasts the highest customer loyalty in the industry. During the second quarter of 2005, only 1.2 percent of its customers disconnected their service, which is well below the industry average.

The network upgrades made for its wireless users during the 2005 Fall Classic are part of Verizon Wireless' continuous effort to increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Chicago and across the country. Since its inception in 2000, the company has consistently spent more than $4 billion annually-and more than $5 billion last year-to expand and improve its network nationwide. More than $139 million has been spent so far in 2005 to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless products and services in Illinois.

Editor's Note: For an onsite tour of the COW, to take a photo or to schedule an interview with a Verizon Wireless Network expert, please call Carolyn Schamberger at 847-204-4282.

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, 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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