Verizon Wireless Investing $150 Million More In Illinois Network In 2009, Including 96 New Cell Sites

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Verizon Wireless today announced that it has activated 11 new cell sites in Illinois in the first quarter and is on target to build a total of 96 new cell sites in 2009, spending more than $150 million on its network in the state this year.

The 96 new cell sites will expand network coverage and increase capacity, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

Where possible, Verizon Wireless will be installing permanent generators, along with batteries, at its new cell sites, ensuring its customers can continue to communicate during power outages, tornados, flooding and other disasters.

“Network reliability is the No. 1 reason that customers choose and stay with Verizon Wireless,” said T.J. Fox, president–Illinois/Wisconsin Region, Verizon Wireless. “Getting through on the first try and maintaining a connection are what matter most to our customers. This year, our mission remains the same: We will continue to perfect our network so that our customers in Illinois know they can depend on us every time they pick up their wireless devices.”

Moving Forward with 4G
Verizon Wireless is also working this year on building the underlying infrastructure that will enable it to become the first wireless company to offer commercial 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE)-based service in the United States, starting in 2010.

“LTE enables us to continue to meet business customer demands for a higher bandwidth, low latency service that works broadly in the United States and globally, while helping us to meet consumer demand for mobilizing the many applications they frequently use when tethered to high bandwidth wired networks,” said Fox. “We look forward to bringing a new, enhanced mobile broadband experience for consumers and enterprises throughout the United States.”

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. Since the company was formed in 2000, Verizon Wireless has invested $1.2 billion on improvements to its network in Illinois.

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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