Verizon Wireless Unleashes Colt In Duquoin, Illinois

ST. LOUIS, MO — Verizon Wireless announced today it has temporarily enhanced its network capacity by more than 30 percent around the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in DuQuoin, Ill., to accommodate the anticipated increase in its network activity by the thousands of fairgoers flocking to the area daily from Aug. 25 through Sept. 3.

The temporary cell site, also knows as a COLT (Cell on Light Truck), is a fully functional mobile cell site that enhances wireless capacity in a given area. With the improved network coverage, more customers can use their wireless phones to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; and download games and ringtones while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls. Verizon Wireless has placed its COLT just north of the fairgrounds.

"The DuQuoin State Fair attracts thousands of visitors to the fairgrounds, and based on past years' calling patterns, that means additional demand for our wireless service in the area-even if only for 10 days," said Darren Johnson, network system performance manager—Kansas/Missouri/Southern Illinois Region for Verizon Wireless. "Our COLT enables us to meet that temporary increase in call volume, and to provide our customers with the high quality service they expect from Verizon Wireless."

The ability to meet network demand, even on a short-term basis, is part of the company's commitment to stay ahead of the growing need for Verizon Wireless' voice and data services. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $40 billion since it was formed-more than $5 billion on average every year-to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. In 2006, more than $125 million of this investment was spent in the Kansas/Missouri/Southern Illinois Region.

Editor's Note: For an onsite tour of the COLT, to take a photo or to schedule an interview with a Verizon Wireless network expert, please call Cheryl Bini Armbrecht or Brenda Hill at 314-920-4444.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 62.1 million customers. The largest U.S. wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 67,000 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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