Verizon Wireless Expands Its Network Across Alabama

Fastest Growing Wireless Company Continues Investing to Stay Ahead of Growing Demand for Wireless Communications Services

04/10/2006, BIRMINGHAM, AL — In its continuing effort to provide the best wireless service in Alabama, Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation’s most reliable wireless network, has again expanded its statewide network with additional cell sites and network enhancements to improve coverage and capacity in several markets across the state. Verizon Wireless invested more than $200 million in 2005 to expand and enhance its wireless network across Alabama and Georgia, with continued investment planned throughout 2006.

In the first quarter of 2006, several new cell sites and network enhancements have improved coverage and capacity in the following areas:

* Cullman: Metro Cullman area and along I-65
* Leesburg: Leesburg and Centre
* Elk River: Rogersville and along Highway 72
* Clayton: Along Highway 51, 239 and 30
* Booth/Evergreen: Along Highway 82, Northwest of Prattville
* Ariton: Along Highway 231, North of Ozark
* Madrid: Along Highway 231, South of Dothan
* Phenix City: North Phenix City
* Vance/Woodstock: Woodstock and Vance in the Tuscaloosa MSA
* Montgomery: Emerald Mountain, Northeast of Highway 231 and in-building service in downtown Montgomery
* Athens: Along Highway 72 and Highway 31
* Auburn: Along Highway 14 and 51

Verizon Wireless has invested $30 billion in the last six years -- $5 billion on average every year since the company was formed -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services.

All enhanced coverage is the direct result of network studies, designed to improve Verizon Wireless network performance. The company’s ‘most reliable network’ claim is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country who inspired the “Can you hear me now? Good®” national advertising campaign. These engineers conduct more than 300,000 call attempts monthly on Verizon Wireless’ and other national carriers’ networks while traveling over 100,000 miles a month in specially equipped company-owned test vehicles.

“We want to make sure that all of our customers in Alabama have the best coverage and wireless experience,” said Jim McGean, Verizon Wireless Alabama/Georgia region president. “Combining top notch coverage with the best new wireless technology and customer service is our top priority.”

Verizon Wireless continues to lead the industry in customer loyalty, posting the lowest customer churn rate – 1.2% - among national carriers and ranked on top in Alabama for “highest call quality” according the most recent JD Powers report.

EDITORS NOTE: Test Man Ride-Along Program for the News Media
Specially-equipped Verizon Wireless test vehicles simultaneously test the Verizon Wireless network as well as the networks of as many as seven other wireless providers, using a mobile laptop computer to generate phonically diverse “conversations.” If one of your reporters is interested in setting up an interview or ride-along test drive with your locally-based Verizon Wireless test man or woman, please contact Caran Smith at 678-339-4891

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation’s most reliable wireless network, serving 51.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless 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.

Contact Information

Caran Smith

Media Contact

Verizon Wireless

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