U.S. Government Sees Number Of Small Businesses Growing To Nearly 24 Million; Verizon Wireless Retail Stores Support Small Businesses In Southern California

IRVINE, CA — According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small business continues to be the growth engine for the American economy with the sector generating 75 percent of the net new jobs added to the nation's workforce. In its continuing effort to provide the best possible wireless experience for this thriving sector, Verizon Wireless, owner and operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, has expanded the capabilities of its Communications Stores to provide in-store consultation on voice and data services, sales, activations and dedicated customer service to small business customers with up to 50 lines of service.

"We lead the industry in customer loyalty because our customers know they get wireless service they can depend on," said John Palmer, regional president of Verizon Wireless. "We've expanded the variety and capabilities of our wireless equipment and enhanced the training of our retail employees to serve the needs of small businesses. With nearly 120 Verizon Wireless stores in southern California, small business owners have a convenient location to get their questions answered from wireless experts who understand their unique needs."

To help fuel small business growth, Verizon Wireless, through its Communications Stores, offers exclusive discounts and benefits to small businesses with more than five lines of service. These may include:

• Discounts on calling and data plans
• Discounts on data features when added to eligible calling plans
• Discounts on accessories
• Discounts on activation fees
• Free detailed billing to accurately track all wireless business usage

Verizon Wireless offers a suite of advanced wireless products and services for small businesses that can help them be more efficient and cost effective. New Location Based Services (LBS) options like VZ Navigator, which includes mapping, audible turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to find over 14 million points of interest directly from the cell phone. Or, exclusive to Verizon Wireless, the Treo 700w, the first Treo device with the familiarity of Microsoft Windows Mobile® and the speed of BroadbandAccess, a high speed wireless Internet access service. Verizon Wireless representatives can design a solution that, when combined with the nation's most reliable wireless network, could improve the productivity of virtually any business enterprise.

A complete listing of all Verizon Wireless retail locations can be found online at www.verizonwireless.com.  

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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