Consumers In Eveleth, Minnesota, Now Can Enjoy Network Coverage From Verizon Wireless

EVELETH, MN — Verizon Wireless announced today it has expanded its voice and data network to Eveleth, Minn., and the surrounding area with the activation of a new cell site on the northern edge of town. The new wireless coverage will provide consumers with the benefits of products and services from the operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network.

The cell site provides new coverage in the following locations:

• Along U.S. Highway 53 between State Route 135 and State Route 37;
• Along State Route 37 west of Eveleth to County Road 7 and Kimberly Avenue, and east of town toward Gilbert, Minn.

"This new cell site reflects our ongoing commitment to invest in our network and provide the high quality service and reliability our customers expect from Verizon Wireless," said Nancy B. Clark, president—Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless.

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

This new cell site in Eveleth is part of Verizon Wireless' continuous effort to increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Minnesota and across the country. Nationally, the company has invested $25 billion over the past five years to improve and expand what is already the most reliable wireless network in the United States. In 2005, Verizon Wireless invested more than $93.7 million in Minnesota to maintain and enhance its network.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 51.3 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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