Verizon Wireless Broadband Network Speeds Into Mobile, Alabama

MOBILE, AL — Building on its successful strategy to provide customers superior wireless services, Verizon Wireless has launched its high-speed broadband network in Mobile to provide the latest technology available to residents, businesses and visitors to the region. Verizon Wireless customers now have access to the latest high-speed business and entertainment services on their wireless phones, laptop computers and other wireless devices.

The multi-million dollar network expansion — which entailed installing high-tech wireless hardware and software in dozens of wireless transmission sites — brings high-speed wireless services to Mobile and communities on the Eastern Shore including Spanish Fort, Daphne, Montrose, and Fairhope. The expansion is part of an ongoing network investment by Verizon Wireless that has totaled more than $35 billion nationally over the past seven years.

Coverage in Mobile will extend from Schillinger Road on the west side of the city to Mobile Bay and from State Road 158 on the north side of Mobile to Theodore south of the city.

"Mobile is an important market with many tech-savvy businesses and consumers here, and it also serves as a key Gulf Coast tourist destination," said Katherine Greene, Verizon Wireless region president. "We've invested heavily in this area to provide access to the most advanced wireless 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.

This wireless broadband experience is made possible by the Verizon Wireless Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) 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 the Mobile area will further strengthen the Verizon Wireless network in the event of emergencies. The network stood up well to the recent extraordinary storm seasons, 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," Greene said. "Verizon Wireless will continue to take a leading role in public safety to serve residents, businesses and visitors locally and across the region."

The Verizon Wireless V CAST service gives customers access to short video content, downloadable music and cutting-edge 3D games on their mobile phones. V CAST provides current news, weather, sports and entertainment programming on demand. And with access to more than 1.5 million songs, music lovers with a V CAST Music-enabled phone can download and play their favorite songs — all while on-the-go.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 57 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 60,000 employees nationwide. The company 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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