Verizon Wireless Network Ready To Keep South Carolina Football Fans Traveling To The AutoZone Liberty Bowl Connected

MEMPHIS, TN — When the University of South Carolina football fans pack their suitcases and fill their tailgating coolers to cheer on the Gamecocks at the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, there is one thing Verizon Wireless customers won't have to worry about packing- their network.

Verizon Wireless' network, the nation's most reliable wireless network, is ready to handle the anticipated increase in calls as South Carolina fans arrive in Memphis to play the University of Houston on December 29.

Verizon Wireless' ongoing network enhancements around the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium and throughout Memphis will enable South Carolina fans to use their wireless phones to make calls, send and receive TXT, Picture and Video Messages, and download games and ring tones while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls during these championship games.

Verizon Wireless has increased the capacity and service of its network in Memphis with recent investments, including the launch of the company's EV-DO network in Memphis in December 2005, which enables customers in Memphis and surrounding areas to access the company's high-speed business and consumer network.

"We work hard to ensure that our customers who are traveling to Memphis can enjoy the same reliable service they have come to expect from Verizon Wireless when home in Columbia" said Jerry Fountain, President, Carolinas/Tennessee Region, Verizon Wireless.

The recent network improvements in Memphis are part of Verizon Wireless' ongoing commitment to continuous improvements of the coverage and quality of its wireless voice and data network in Tennessee and across the country. Verizon Wireless has invested $35 billion in the last seven years -- $5 billion on average every year since the company was formed -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services.

Verizon Wireless' network enhancements also keep college football fans connected to the latest news, games, information and music. Customers can browse content from V CAST, the nation's first wireless broadband multimedia service for consumers that enables them to view high-quality video clips from major news, sports and entertainment outlets, play 3D games and download rich multimedia content. Music lovers also can access V CAST Music, the world's most comprehensive, over-the-air mobile music download service. The V CAST Music catalog boasts more than 1.5 million songs from thousands of artists from top labels and independent providers.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  

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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