Verizon Wireless Invests $25.8 Million In 2008 To Enhance Nebraska Network

OMAHA, NE — Verizon Wireless announced today it invested $25.8 million in 2008 to enhance its network in Nebraska. The enhancements included building new – and upgrading existing – cell sites, increasing coverage area and expanding its wireless broadband network.

“In 2009 we will continue to make improvements to our network in Nebraska,” said Nancy B. Clark, president – Great Plains region, Verizon Wireless. “We’re very focused on integrating the Verizon Wireless and Alltel networks, building out new coverage areas and increasing capacity where we already have service, so that our more than 80 million customers across the state and nation can rely on their wireless devices to keep in touch and stay connected.”

Verizon Wireless has invested $99.1 million over the past four years on improvements to its network in Nebraska, including the following upgrades made in 2008:

• Six new cell sites were activated in the Lincoln and Omaha areas to improve network coverage and capacity, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls and send and receive e-mail and text, picture and video messages, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.
• Equipment on 17 existing cell sites throughout the state was upgraded, which further improved network capacity.
• Sixteen permanent backup generators were installed at Nebraska cell sites to ensure network functionality during times of crisis.
• The company’s high-speed wireless network was expanded to include Lincoln, as well as the area along Interstate 80 between Omaha and Lincoln. The high-speed 3G wireless network provides Verizon Wireless customers in Lincoln and Omaha with access to two prime services:
  • Mobile Broadband, the enhanced high-speed wireless service that equips Verizon Wireless’ business customers with a truly untethered mobile office experience, enabling them to wirelessly access their calendars, the Internet, e-mail and critical business information residing behind their companies’ firewalls; and
  • V CAST, a consumer-oriented multimedia service that gives customers access to the most comprehensive selection of downloadable music, high-quality videos and the coolest 3D games found anywhere.

These network improvements are part of Verizon Wireless’ continual effort to expand coverage, improve capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Nebraska and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $50 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.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 80 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit 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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