Verizon Wireless Completes 2006 Broadband Network Expansion Across Major Florida Markets

TAMPA, FL — Verizon Wireless has completed the 2006 expansion of its EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) BroadbandAccess^SM high-speed wireless network to extend the latest wireless technology and services in Florida's largest population and commercial centers. These major markets include southeast Florida from Dade to Palm Beach counties, Tampa Bay, Orlando and Jacksonville.

The core areas of these regions were the first in Florida to have the high-speed wireless technology and services beginning in 2004. The enhancements in these key markets this year expand the EV-DO coverage an additional 800 square miles covering nearly one million Florida residents, and entailed refitting dozens of cell sites with the new EV-DO technology.

"These markets were some of the first nationally with access to the high-speed wireless technology," said Frank Wise, Florida region network director. "Consumers and business users here have quickly taken advantage of the capabilities of these new services, so we've been working hard to expand and enhance our broadband reach."

In addition to the EV-DO expansion in these large population and business centers, Verizon Wireless also launched BroadbandAccess in numerous smaller markets across the state this year, adding more than 12,000 square miles covering 4.7 million residents to the company's high-speed network.

The broadband network allows customers in Florida to utilize the latest high-speed productivity and entertainment applications and services on their wireless phones, laptop computers and other wireless devices. The wireless broadband experience is made possible by EV-DO technology with typical connection speeds of 400-700 kilobits per second (kbps).

The broadband network expansion is part of an overall network investment of about $1.5 billion in the state and $30 billion nationally over the past six years.

"We've invested heavily across the state to ensure the most reliable network for regular wireless phone service, and also to serve tech-savvy customers who especially want the advanced technologies such as BroadbandAccess and V CAST Music and video," Wise said.

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.

Pricing and details
For a limited time, Verizon Wireless customers with an existing voice plan can receive unlimited BroadbandAccess service for $59.99 monthly access with a new two-year customer agreement.

To access V CAST video and games, customers need a V CAST-enabled handset and a $15.00 monthly subscription added to their Verizon Wireless calling plan.

Customers with a V CAST Music-enabled handset can pay as they go to download songs directly to their phone for $1.99 per song plus airtime, download songs to their PC for 99 cents, and transfer their existing compatible digital music collection to their V CAST Music-enabled handset or memory card at no charge from their PC. Purchases from the handset include two copies of every song, one for the handset and one for the PC. Currently, nearly 20 music capable handsets are available, including the popular Chocolate by LG and the Motorola RAZR V3m.

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 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, NJ, 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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