Network Enhancement Gives Verizon Wireless Customers In Columbus, Ohio, Something To Talk About

COLUMBUS, OH — Verizon Wireless, the only major carrier with a 30-day network test-drive pledge that pays for calls if a customer isn't satisfied and switches to another carrier, announced today that it has activated a new cell site in the South Clintonville area of Columbus, enhancing in-building coverage and increasing network capacity in the city and at popular parks.

The network enhancement enables more Verizon Wireless customers to use their wireless phones to make calls; send and receive e-mail and TXT, Picture and Video Messages; and download games and Ring Tones while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

The new cell site improves network capacity and in-building coverage from North Broadway south to Lane Avenue and from Indianola Avenue west to beyond the Olentangy River Road. Residents visiting the popular trail along the Olentangy River, which runs through Tuttle and Clinton-Como parks, and the Walhalla ravine area also will benefit from these improvements.

"This network enhancement reflects our ongoing commitment to meet the growing needs of our customers and to provide them with the reliable, high quality service they expect from Verizon Wireless," said Roger Tang, president—Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia region, Verizon Wireless.

Reliable service is fundamental to customer loyalty, and Verizon Wireless boasts the highest customer loyalty in the industry. During the fourth quarter of 2006, only 1.14 percent of its customers disconnected their service, a figure well below the industry average.

"The value we offer our customers is closely tied to our industry-leading customer retention," Tang said. "Wireless consumers today understand that value is not defined by price alone. A major reason our customers choose Verizon Wireless and stay with us is because we offer the nation's most reliable network."

This new cell site in Columbus is part of Verizon Wireless' continual effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Ohio and throughout 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. More than $195 million of this investment was spent in Ohio in 2006 to maintain and enhance its network.

About Test Drive
Verizon Wireless recently introduced its 30-day Test Drive, an industry first that lets customers experience its network virtually risk-free for 30 days. If customers are not satisfied with their experience and take their number to another carrier, Verizon Wireless will refund their money for calls, equipment, activation fee and taxes. For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving more than 59 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 65,000 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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