Verizon Wireless Boosts Network At Key "Hot-Lanta" Locations In Georgia

ATLANTA, GA — Verizon Wireless has enhanced wireless voice and data coverage in key areas of downtown Atlanta, making the country’s largest and most reliable network even better. The company’s investment provides Verizon Wireless voice and Mobile Broadband data in-building coverage to the Georgia Dome and the Georgia World Congress Center. The enhanced system covers 3.2 million square feet and utilizes more than 130 antennas to make sure visitors stay connected while at the venue. Enhanced Mobile Broadband data capacity has also been added to the Verizon Wireless in-building system at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport giving travelers even greater access to the company’s 3G high-speed wireless network (EV-DO Rev. A) in terminals and at gates.

Mobile Broadband allows greater access to the company’s V CAST service – which allows customers to stream video clips, play cutting-edge 3D games and download full song tracks over the air; VZ Navigator(SM) – a location-based service offering maps, audible driving directions, traffic updates, gas station locations and pricing; and the newest, most reliable Push To Talk technology.

In addition, customers using the company’s Mobile Broadband data service to wirelessly access their e-mail and calendars, the Internet and other information, can expect average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps. At those speeds, customers can upload or download a 1 Megabyte e-mail attachment – the equivalent of a small PowerPoint® presentation or a large PDF file – in less than two seconds.

“These important Atlanta locations are key for local business, residents and visitors alike,” says Jeff Mango, president – Georgia/Alabama Region, Verizon Wireless. “Our customers need and want access to our high speed services. In the fourth quarter of 2008, Verizon Wireless customers nationwide sent more than 90 billion text messages,1.8 billion picture/video messages and completed 136 million downloads of music, videos, games, ringtones, ringback tones, and exclusive content. Our network must stay ahead to support the demand.”

The company’s continued investment in Georgia – which was more than $30 million in the first quarter of 2009 – is part of Verizon Wireless’ ongoing effort to expand coverage, improve capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network 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. In 2007 and 2008, Verizon Wireless invested $6.5 billion nationwide to expand and advance its network.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 86.6 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 86,000 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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