Verizon Wireless' VZ Navigator And 411 Search Work Together As A One-Stop Shop For Destination Information

LAS VEGAS and BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — From CTIA WIRELESS 2009®, Verizon Wireless, the nation’s leading wireless service provider, said today that getting directions to a chosen location is easier than ever with VZ Navigator(SM).

After using 411 Search to find a phone number or address, Verizon Wireless customers with VZ Navigator-capable phones can now have a Place Message with that destination sent to their phones, simply by pressing “1” when prompted. The customer can then use VZ Navigator to display the location on a map or navigate to that location.

Connecting these two popular services means that details for a listing found with Verizon Wireless’ directory assistance can be provided to Verizon Wireless’ VZ Navigator location-based service (LBS) so that customers can access audible turn-by-turn navigation to their destinations. VZ Navigator offers customers the ability to find more than 15 million points of interest – from ATMs and gas stations to restaurants and tourist destinations.

Jon Wells, vice president for product development at Verizon, said, “We found that many customers were using the 411 service with the hopes of finding directions to that location, so we launched the integrated VZ Navigator with 411 Search nationwide to provide customers with a one-stop shop for listing information and directions. The service offers convenience and value while eliminating the need for customers to manually enter their destination information, especially when driving.”

Automatic Speech Recognition Makes VZ Navigator Hands-Free and Easier to Use
VZ Navigator on select Get It Now®-capable phones now has automatic speech recognition to make searching for destinations hands-free and easier than ever to use. When in the application, customers must hold the “send” key until they hear a tone, then simply say the name of the location or destination they want to find. The request is recorded and sent to VZ Navigator, which searches for the location and returns the turn-by-turn directions to the phone.

Automatic speech recognition works with mapping, navigation, local search and any other destination where data entry would be required. A voice icon is included on the search field so customers know when they can ask for directions or mapping, rather than typing in the information.

Pricing
VZ Navigator with 411 Search is available on select feature phones that are VZ Navigator-capable. Standard 411 Search charges of $1.49 per call apply, but there is no additional charge for the Place Message. VZ Navigator is available for $9.99 unlimited monthly access or $2.99 for one-day use on select Media Center/Get It Now-capable phones. Airtime or megabyte charges and specific terms of use apply when browsing, downloading and using the application.

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 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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