Verizon Wireless Expands Wireless Network To Athens County, Ohio

ATHENS, OH — Verizon Wireless has extended its wireless voice and data network to Athens County, giving its customers direct access to the nation's most reliable wireless network. This expanded coverage means that both new and existing customers will enjoy Verizon Wireless' reliable network throughout the region. Additionally, customers in Athens County will have access to advanced wireless features such as picture, video and animated messaging.

The new network coverage comprises all of Athens County — including the city of Athens, the Ohio University main campus, and Lake Hope State Park — as well as portions of Jackson, Vinton and Meigs Counties. The network expansion includes:

• The length of U.S. Route 50 through Vinton and Athens counties from Coolville to Ratcliffburg;
• U.S. Route 33 through Athens and Meigs counties from Nelsonville to Pomeroy;
• State Route 32 through Athens and Jackson counties from Coolville to Beaver;
• U.S. Route 35 through Jackson County from Brocks Corner to Centerville.

Investing nearly $17 million in the expansion of its network, Verizon Wireless has constructed 46 new cell sites throughout the new markets enabling Verizon Wireless customers living in and visiting the area to take advantage of enhanced wireless phone services while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

"This network enhancement reflects our ongoing commitment to meet the growing needs of our customers and to provide them with the reliable, high-quality services they expect from Verizon Wireless," said Roger Tang, president — Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia region, Verizon Wireless. "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. And now, we offer that reliability directly to Athens County residents."

With Verizon Wireless, local residents now have access to the company's nationally recognized customer service and advanced features such as Get It Now® applications. Verizon Wireless customers can simply download these applications — such as ringtones, games and more — to their handsets and purchase them directly from these devices.

"We are always working to increase our network coverage and reliability, and our expansion to Athens and the surrounding counties is an important part of this commitment," said Tang. "Local residents, students, businesses and visitors will have direct access to the benefits of Verizon Wireless."

The new coverage will also give Verizon Wireless customers the convenience of the company's IN Network, which provides customers the ability to talk and send text and multimedia messages to other Verizon Wireless subscribers for free.

The expanded service is part of Verizon Wireless' continual effort to improve coverage and capacity, and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Ohio and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $45 billion since it was formed — $5.5 billion on average every year — to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. Last year, the company invested nearly $190 million in its Ohio network improvements.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 67.2 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: 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.

####