Verizon Wireless Launches BroadbandAccess In Naples, Bradenton; Southwest Florida Linked With High-Speed Wireless Network, Services

TAMPA, FL — Wireless users in Naples and Bradenton may now utilize the latest high-speed business and entertainment services on their wireless phones, laptop computers and other wireless devices, following the launch of the Verizon Wireless broadband network in the core areas of Naples and Bradenton.

The expansion — which entailed installing high-tech wireless hardware and software in dozens of wireless transmission sites throughout the region — extends the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess network in Southwest Florida from Collier County to as far north as Hernando County.

Earlier this year, the network was launched in Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties; the high-speed network first came online in the Tampa Bay area in 2004.

Hardware and software upgrades are complete, the system has been tested, and an additional 3,300 square miles and 1.4 million Southwest Florida residents now can enjoy wireless broadband service on the state's most reliable network. In addition to Southwest Florida, the technology is available in major markets along the state's east coast, as well as the Orlando, Tampa Bay, Lakeland and Tallahassee metro areas.

This latest multi-million dollar broadband network expansion is part of an ongoing network investment by Verizon Wireless that has totaled more than $1 billion in the state and $30 billion nationally over the past six years.

"Turning on wireless broadband in Bradenton and Naples was an important step to link the Southwest Florida region, said Mike Lanman, Verizon Wireless Florida region president. "This is a key, fast-growing market with businesses and consumers that demand the latest wireless technology and services such as BroadbandAccess and V CAST Music and video."

BroadbandAccess allows customers to connect wirelessly to the Internet, download e-mail and applications, and log into their corporate servers via their laptop at broadband speeds. The technology provides mobile workers full access, productivity and security, just as if they were at their desks and attached via a high-speed wired connection, but with the freedom of true mobility.

The Verizon Wireless V CAST service gives customers access to short video content, downloadable music, and cutting-edge 3D games on their mobile phones. With V CAST, customers can get short video content on-demand, including current news, weather, sports and entertainment programming. And music lovers with a V CAST Music-enabled phone are able to download and play their favorite songs — all while on-the-go.

This wireless broadband experience is made possible by the Verizon Wireless EV-DO (evolution-data optimized) technology, with typical connection speeds of 400-700 kilobits per second (kbps).

In addition to allowing advanced applications such as BroadbandAccess and V CAST, the network upgrade in Southwest Florida will further strengthen the Verizon Wireless network in the event of emergencies. The network stood up well to the extraordinary storm seasons of 2004 and 2005, as well as this year, while other communication networks sometimes suffered substantial disruptions.

"A strong, reliable wireless network is critical for the public in large-scale emergencies and every day," Lanman said. "Verizon Wireless will continue to take a leading role in public safety to serve residents, businesses and visitors locally and across the state."

Test Man Ride-Along Program
The specially equipped Verizon Wireless test vehicles simultaneously test seven wireless providers, using a computerized program to generate phonically diverse "conversations" and data transmissions. Members of the media who are interested in setting up an interview or ride-along with a local member of the Verizon Wireless team of real-life test men and women, please contact Chuck Hamby at 813-615-4803 or via e-mail at chuck.hamby@verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 54.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, 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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