Verizon Wireless Network Investment Continues In Upstate New York

ROCHESTER, NY — Verizon Wireless completed more than $125 million in network enhancements throughout Upstate New York in 2010 – the tenth consecutive year of $100+ million local investment – and the company continues to invest heavily in the region in 2011.

Last year’s investment brings Verizon Wireless’ total network investment in Upstate New York to more than $1.3 billion since 2000 – significantly more than any other wireless company. The regional investment is part of more than $65 billion invested nationwide since the company was formed.

In 2010, the company activated 72 new cell sites across the region, improved its 3G high-speed wireless data capacity on hundreds of other cell sites, and launched its 4G LTE service in the Rochester area. So far in 2011, the company has added hundreds more 3G data carriers to cell sites region-wide and recently announced it will launch 4G LTE in Albany, Syracuse and Ithaca later this year. Full nationwide 4G LTE deployment is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2013.

"We continue to invest heavily in our Upstate New York network to stay ahead of growing demand and to bring our customers an even better wireless experience tomorrow than they had today," said Russ Preite, president of the company’s Upstate New York Region.

“Providing an outstanding customer experience starts with the network and customers continue to choose Verizon Wireless because they know their wireless device is only as reliable as the network it’s on,” said Gene Fassett, executive director of Network for Verizon Wireless’ Upstate New York Region. “Our 3G data network is the largest and most reliable in the United States and the continued build-out of our 4G LTE network will only make that experience better.”

Verizon Wireless’ investment in the Upstate New York region reflects its commitment to offer customers the most reliable wireless service available. The company’s ‘nation’s most reliable wireless network’ reputation is based on network studies performed by test men and test women throughout the country who inspired the national advertising campaign. These engineers drive 90 specially equipped vehicles almost 1 million miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets. Test vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 3 million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless’ network and the networks of other carriers.

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.

EDITOR’S NOTE:
Check out our video of Western New York Test Man, Jack Brandes. If you are interested in setting up an interview or ride-along test drive with Jack, please contact John O'Malley at 585-321-7264.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 94 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: 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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