Verizon Wireless Continues To Boost Service Along Florida’s Nature Coast

Eight New Digital Sites Activated Along U.S. 19 Corridor.

02/09/2006, TAMPA, FL — Verizon Wireless has continued to enhance wireless coverage and services for local businesses, residents and visitors along the growing “Nature Coast” U.S. Highway 19 corridor by turning on eight new advanced digital wireless transmission sites to begin 2006.

These newest sites join eight others activated at the end of 2005, part of a multi-million dollar investment in Levy, Dixie, Taylor, Jefferson and Gilchrist counties to bring the nation’s most reliable wireless network to the region along the major route linking the Tampa Bay area to the state capital of Tallahassee.

“We continue to invest along the Nature Coast because it is a very important and fast-growing part of the state,” said Mike Lanman, Florida region president of Verizon Wireless. “All these new sites allow us to remain in front of the projected growth here, and best serve local communities right now with reliable wireless coverage and advanced services.”

The new sites are part of Verizon Wireless’ continuing investment in the region and throughout Florida. In 2005, the company spent more than $250 million to further expand and enhance its all-digital network across the state. In the past five years, the company has spent more than $1 billion in Florida for network improvements.

The network effort also includes teams of real-life test men and women who inspired the company’s famous “Can You Hear Me Now? Good®” advertising campaign. These teams travel throughout the Nature Coast, Panhandle and across the state in special vehicles, testing the Verizon Wireless network to ensure strong coverage against other wireless companies. In addition to staying ahead of the growing demand for wireless voice and data services (Picture Messaging, Internet access, etc.), the new sites along U.S. 19 help fortify the Verizon Wireless network during hurricanes and other emergencies.

The Verizon Wireless network in Florida withstood the impact of several major hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 and remained on-air while landlines and other wireless providers faltered. In Florida, nearly 80 percent of all Verizon Wireless sites have their own back-up generator – in addition to battery power – to keep the network running even when the power supply is interrupted.

"A strong, reliable wireless network plays an important part in public safety in large emergencies and every day,” Lanman said. “Verizon Wireless takes this role very seriously to help serve and protect Florida residents and visitors.”

Newest Verizon Wireless U.S. 19 Transmission Sites

* Capps – Near U.S. 27 and U.S. 19
* Lamont – just north of U.S. 19 and County Road 257
* Eridu – Near U.S. 19 and State Road 14
* Hampton Springs – Along Center Street in the north area of Perry.
* Perry – Along Courtney Road east of U.S. 19.
* Pinland – Along U.S. 19 between Perry and Carbur.
* Tenille – Near U.S. 51 and U.S. 19.
* Gulf Hammock – Near County Road 326 and U.S. 19

Other recent Verizon Wireless U.S. 19 Transmission Sites

* Perry – Along North Plantation Road
* Carbur – 12 miles south of Perry along U.S. 19.
* Fanning Springs – Near U.S. 19 just south of Fanning Springs
* Pumpkin Swamp – Three miles northwest of Cross City
* Chiefland – Near downtown and U.S. 19
* Usher – Near the intersection of U.S. 19 and County Road 347
* Otter Creek – Near the intersection of U.S. 19 and State Road 24
* Lebanon Station – Near the intersection of U.S. 19 and State Road 121

Test Man Ride-Along Program
The specially equipped Verizon Wireless test vehicles simultaneously test seven wireless providers, using a computerized program to generate phonically diverse “conversations” and data transmissions Members of the media who are interested in setting up an interview or ride-along with a local member of the Verizon Wireless team of real-life test men and women, please contact Chuck Hamby at 813-615-4803 or via email at chuck.hamby@verizonwireless.com.

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

Chuck Hamby

Media Contact

Verizon Wireless

Contact via E-mail