Verizon Wireless Invests More Than $30m To Complete Network Conversion Of Rural Cellular Network Assets; Expands Service In Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Verizon Wireless announced on August 7, 2008, that it completed its purchase of Rural Cellular Corporation (RCC). In 2008, the purchase increased Verizon Wireless’ licensed coverage area by 4.7 million people, adding licenses to cover markets in 15 states including Alabama.

Since August, the company has been working to integrate more than 200 cell sites across Alabama which included technology conversion and overlay as well as building multiple news cell sites. Most of that work is now complete making America’s largest and most reliable 3G network available to new and existing residents, businesses and visitors across Alabama.

In addition to the coverage expansion, this brings the company’s Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) third generation (3G) wide-area network Revision A (Rev. A) technology to several new markets in Alabama including: Troy, Enterprise, Daleville, Slocomb, Hartford, Brundidge and Elba.

Also included in the conversion efforts, coverage and capacity enhancements to the legacy Verizon Wireless voice, NationalAccess and Mobile Broadband data network were completed in Sylacauga, Talladega, Clanton, Alexander City, Selma, Demopolis, Dothan, Ozark, Ft. Rucker, Andalusia and Greenville. Since August of 2008, the following regional areas benefited from the network build out and conversion efforts:

Central Alabama

• The towns of Selma, Marion, Uniontown, Lowndesboro, Fort Deposit, Camden, Hayneville, and along US HWY 80- west of Montgomery.
• Along SR 155 including the cities of Jemison, Thorsby, Double Bridges, Clanton, Falakto, Verbena, Pyron and along I-65 throughout Chilton County.

East Alabama

• The cities of Kellyton, Alexander City, Jackson Gap, Dadeville, Beulah, Camp Hill, and Waverly.
• The Lake Martin area including; Hwy 50, Hwy 128, Hanover, Pentonville, Stillwater and Wegulfga.
• The cities of Five Points, South Roanoke, Talladega, Rockford, Hollis Crossroads, Lineville, Ranburne, Folsom, Cavers Grove, Wedowee, Rock Stand, Roanoke, Ofelia, Lineville, Ashland City, and Millerville.
• Along Hwy 77 between Talladega and I-20 and along Hwy 21 between Talladega and I-20 including the cities of Rushing Springs, Lawson Hill, Mimosa, Whitson, Ivey Way, McIntosh, Spencer, Knoxville, Pearson and Harmon
• Along HWY 21 between Talladega and Sylacauga including the cities of Winterboro, Shelter Cove and Adairs.
• Along HWY 49 in South Tallapoosa County
• Along HWY 78 between Oxford and the AL/GA state line including the towns of Fruithurst, Edwardsville and Lake Charles.
• Along the I-20 corridor between Talladega and the GA state line including the towns of Ross Mountain, Bell Town, Heflin, Pine Valley and Muscadine.

West Alabama

• The town of Demopolis in Marengo County
• The towns Boligee, Epes, Livingston, York, Cuba and Ward along Interstate 20/59
• The town of Eutaw in Greene County
• The towns of Forkland and Gallion and along SR 14 north of Clinton.

South Alabama

• The cities of Hartford, Slocomb and Daleville and along HWY 84 in the town of Level Plains
• The cities of Troy and Brundidge along Highway 231
• The towns of Hales Chapel and Spring Hill along Highway 167 between Troy and Enterprise.
• The cities of Enterprise and Elba.
• Along US 84 between Elba and New Brockton
• The cities of Troy, Enterprise, Daleville, Slocomb, Level Plains, Hales Chapel, Hartford, Brundidge, and Elba.
• Along HWY 231 in the towns of Meeksville and Orion
• The areas of Clayhatchee along SR 92 and SR 85

“Verizon Wireless currently has the largest 3G network in the country and with this expansion residents and businesses in these smaller towns in Alabama will have access to the latest wireless technology, products and services,” said Jeff Mango, president of Verizon Wireless’ Georgia/Alabama Region. “Customers use their service 24/7 so we want to make sure that they can use their wireless device where and when they need to.”

The company offers a compelling, robust device line-up with something for every budget. The recently released BlackBerry Storm offers both the reliability of the Verizon Wireless 3G network and the full power of a revolutionary touch-screen, multimedia smartphone.

“We know that customers are looking for value and we have the best set of assets to deliver it: the best network, the best product portfolio and the best service experience. That combination is the value we have to offer every single customer every day,” said Mango. “We will continue to invest in our network and build upon our service here in Alabama.”

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.

####