Verizon Wireless Rings In 2002 With Five New Cell Sites, Offers Expanded Digital Service In Western Illinois

Verizon Wireless Rings In 2002 With Five New Cell Sites, Offers Expanded Digital Service In Western Illinois

Sites Complete the Company's $22.5 Million Local Investment in 2001

January 30, 2002

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MOLINE, IL

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Verizon Wireless expanded service coverage in western Illinois just before the New Year with the addition of a new cell site. The expansion was part of the company's $4 billion investment in network improvements nationwide in 2001, $22.5 million of which was dedicated to improving its network in western and central Illinois.

"We at Verizon Wireless believe our customers deserve the greatest network coverage possible," said Tracy Nolan, regional president for Verizon Wireless. "That's why we've invested a great deal of capital in network improvements this past year, and will continue to do so. We want to offer our customers optimal call clarity and the very latest applications wireless technology has to offer."

The new digital site, located off County Hwy 5 in Atkinson, Ill., serves the town of Atkinson and provides service along I-80 and Hwy. 6 between Princeton and Geneseo.

The $22.5 million investment was designed to enhance Verizon Wireless' digital wireless network so the company could deliver the most advanced wireless voice and data services to its customers. Throughout the past year, Verizon Wireless expanded coverage and increased capacity on its switching centers and cell sites to handle the strong demand for its wireless services. In addition, the company began upgrading its network in 2001 with third generation (3G) wireless technology that offers wireless Internet services at speeds 10 times faster than available today. On January 28, 2002, Verizon Wireless commercially launched its 1XRTT data network, called Express Network, in major East and West Coast markets. The company plans to launch its Express Network in most of its Midwest markets by mid-year 2002.

Customer growth, greater usage due to high-value pricing like the SingleRate^SM national plan, and the popularity of Mobile Web^TM wireless internet services and text messaging continue to drive local demand for Verizon Wireless' services. The company plans to meet that demand with continued network improvements throughout the year.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the leading wireless communications provider in the U.S., with the largest wireless network and more than 29.4 million 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). 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.

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