Verizon Wireless Expands Digital Coverage on Oregon Coast

Verizon Wireless Expands Digital Coverage on Oregon Coast

Expansion is Part of $35 Million Investment in Oregon

October 30, 2001

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EUGENE, OR

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In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents, Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless provider, has announced the expansion of its digital network on the Oregon coast.

With the recent conversion of a cluster of seven cell sites, a total of 20 sites have been converted to digital service this year providing uninterrupted digital coverage on a 76-mile stretch of the Central Oregon coast from Lincoln City on the north to Florence on the south.

"These new cell sites will provide area customers with greater wireless network coverage, increased clarity and extended battery life when making wireless calls in the region," said Gregg Clausius, Pacific Northwest Area executive director-network for Verizon Wireless.

The digital conversion is part of the company's $35 million investment in Oregon in 2001 and the company's national $4 billion investment to improve and extend the reach of its nationwide wireless network.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 28.7 million wireless voice and data customers. The coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD), including Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless and PrimeCo Personal Communications. Verizon Wireless has a footprint covering more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 97 of the top 100 U.S. markets. The company, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 40,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.