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Verizon Wireless Completes $280 Million Network Enhancement in New York Metro Area

ORANGEBURG, N.Y., Feb. 11 PRNewswire — Verizon Wireless today announced that it invested more than $280 million in 2007 to enhance its wireless network in the New York Metro region.

The investment, in New York City; Long Island; Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties, and Northern and Central New Jersey, is part of more than $40 billion invested across the nation since the company was formed in 2000. Local network enhancements in 2007 included:

— The activation of 146 new and upgraded cell sites to improve coverage and increase capacity. — Upgrading 100 percent of the company's EV-DO network with faster Revision A technology enabling customers to upload critical business presentations and other large files five-to-six times faster than before with BroadbandAccess. — Inauguration of V CAST Mobile TV featuring live content and other programming 24 hours-a-day from well-known entertainment brands including CBS Mobile, Comedy Central, ESPN Mobile TV, FOX Mobile, MTV, NBC 2GO, NBC News2GO and Nickelodeon. First offered in Manhattan, the service now covers all five boroughs, Long Island and large portions of Northern NJ.

"V CAST Mobile TV goes way beyond any other video offerings in the wireless market right now," said Mike Haberman, executive director of network for the NY Metro region. "Customers in a large part of the NY Metro area now can catch sporting events, breaking news, concerts and their favorite network TV shows — not to mention make phone calls — while on-the-go.

"Better yet, our high-speed BroadbandAccess service, also enhanced in 2007, equips Verizon Wireless business customers with a truly untethered mobile office experience, enabling them to wirelessly access the Internet, email and critical business data at the fastest wireless speeds available."

Other local network upgrades in 2007 included: — Expanding the company's national handset test lab, located in Bedminster, NJ. The new 11,000 square foot facility is four times its original size and is designed to ensure that every device used on the company's network meets the highest standards of reliability and provides customers with the best possible wireless experience. — Installing 18 permanent backup generators at cell sites and switching facilities to ensure network functionality during times of crisis. — Deploying portable Cells on Wheels (COWs) to boost coverage for the New York City Marathon and Mets' games at Shea Stadium, the Breeder's Cup at Monmouth Park Racetrack and Scarlet Knights Football at Rutgers Stadium. COWs are fully-functional, generator-powered mobile cell sites that enhance coverage and capacity in a given area during special events.

Demand for Verizon Wireless services continued during the fourth quarter of 2007 when the company added 2 million new customers, and continued its industry-leading customer loyalty rates. Verizon Wireless now serves more than 65.7 million customers nationwide. During the fourth quarter, the company delivered nearly 45 billion text messages and completed 128 million downloads of music, videos, games ringtones, ringback tones and exclusive content, including 30 million video and music downloads.

"Our mission in 2008 is to keep perfecting our network so our customers can continue to depend on us for the best possible service every time they pick up their wireless device," Haberman said.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 65.7 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, NJ, with 69,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at 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.

BroadbandAccess speed claim is based on stationary tests with 5 MB FTP data files w/o compression and requires compatible EV-DO Rev. A device. BroadbandAccess is available to more than 240 million people in 248 major metros in the U.S. V CAST Mobile TV phone, coverage & add'l charges req'd for V CAST Mobile TV service. Offers & coverage, varying by service, not available everywhere. Network details and coverage maps.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless