Verizon Wireless To Provide Nebraska's Deaf, Hard Of Hearing, Deaf/Blind, Speech Impaired With Wireless Equipment

LINCOLN, NE and BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless has been added by the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) to the list of  equipment vendors participating in the Nebraska Specialized Telecommunications Equipment Program (NSTEP), a part of the Nebraska Telecommunications Relay System that provides telecommunications to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.  As an approved NSTEP vendor, Verizon Wireless equipment, including tablets, smartphones, netbooks and Jetpacks, will be available to qualified residents of Nebraska who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind or speech impaired at no charge.   

PSC Commissioner Tim Schram said, “We have observed a significant increase in demand from the deaf and hard-of hearing community for wireless equipment options in NSTEP.  We are pleased Verizon Wireless and the PSC could work together to add the wireless carrier’s equipment as options on our approved vendor list”.

“Wireless technology can help make the lives of those with hearing and speech impairments easier by providing customers new ways to connect with friends, family and colleagues,” said Seamus Hyland, president-Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. “We are very pleased to be working with the Public Service Commission in a pioneering program for Verizon Wireless which will enhance wireless technology availability throughout the State of Nebraska.”

Residents must first qualify for the NSTEP with the Nebraska Public Service Commission.  Once deemed eligible, residents will receive a voucher with a special code, and can then visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call Verizon Wireless Sales (800-256-4646) or Customer Service (888-294-6804) to initiate service as a new customer, upgrade existing equipment or add the equipment as a new line.  The equipment will be provided at no charge, but participants are responsible for monthly fees associated with a wireless account, including a required data plan. 

For more information on NSTEP and how residents can qualify for a voucher to receive free equipment from Verizon Wireless, visit the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing website at http://www.ncdhh.ne.gov/nstep.html.

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 largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 93.0 million retail customers, including 88.0 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 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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