Verizon Wireless Network Investment In Virginia, Maryland And DC Totals More Than $2 Billion Since 2000

LAUREL, MD — Verizon Wireless announced today it has spent $153 million to enhance wireless voice and data services and coverage throughout Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia so far in 2009, bringing total network investment in the region to more than $2 billion since 2000. These regional network improvements are part of the company's aggressive, nationwide multi-billion dollar investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless' voice and data services. The company has invested more than $50 billion since it was formed -- $5.5 billion on average every year.

So far in 2009, the company's $153 million in regional network investments has supported the activation of new cell sites to improve and expand coverage, the addition of more capacity to existing sites, and the expansion of the company's high-speed broadband network, Mobile Broadband.

"Customers can expect Verizon Wireless to continue investing in our Washington, Maryland, Virginia network in 2009," said Mike Maiorana, regional president, Verizon Wireless. "We're 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 customers can continue to rely on their wireless devices to keep in touch and stay connected."

Facts About Mobile Broadband
Verizon Wireless' Mobile Broadband network is America's largest 3G network and covers the most people of any wireless provider, thus allowing customers to browse the Internet, download music, send e-mail and picture and video messages faster, and in more places. Mobile Broadband provides average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second, and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps. That translates to downloading a 1 Megabyte e-mail attachment — the equivalent of a small PowerPoint® presentation or a large PDF file — in about eight seconds and sending the same-sized file in less than 13 seconds.

Verizon Wireless also continued investing in its industry-leading network quality assurance program. Locally, the company's real-life test men and women* drive specially equipped "baseline testing" vehicles, each equipped with computer-controlled cell phones that -- on a national basis -- make more than three million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.

*Editors Note: Test Man Ride-Along Program
To set up an interview and ride-along test drive with your local Verizon Wireless test man or woman, please contact Sherri Cunningham at 202-364-5856.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving 87.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 87,000 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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