Wingcast and Verizon Wireless Join Forces to Deliver Advanced Voice and Data Services to Telematics Subscribers

Wingcast and Verizon Wireless Join Forces to Deliver Advanced Voice and Data Services to Telematics Subscribers

Strategic Relationship Enables Delivery of In-Demand Telematics Services to Wingcast Customers over Verizon Wireless' Nationwide CDMA Network

December 13, 2001

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SAN DIEGO, CA and BEDMINSTER, NJ

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Wingcast, LLC, a company founded by Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) and QUALCOMM (NASDAQ:QCOM) to provide telematics services and applications to the automotive consumer market, and Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless provider, today announced that the companies have forged a strategic relationship to deliver wireless voice and data when the Wingcast service launches next year. The exclusive alliance with Verizon Wireless enables Wingcast to offer consumers a variety of voice-activated services, including emergency services, high-speed data, and location-based applications, which it will deliver over the Verizon Wireless network.

Wingcast's initial telematics service, including hands-free, high-speed data and voice services, will be available in certain Ford and Nissan vehicles. Under the agreement with Verizon Wireless, Wingcast will develop wireless pricing plans that meet the unique needs of its customers while delivering enhanced telematics services over Verizon Wireless' state-of-the-art digital network. Wingcast will offer voice plans and service bundles exclusive to Wingcast customers.

"The agreement with Verizon Wireless is part of Wingcast's overall commitment to provide in-demand telematics services and applications that increase productivity while enhancing the safety and security of the consumer," said Harel Kodesh, CEO of Wingcast. "We're excited about this relationship with Verizon Wireless because it will provide our customers with the broadest available coverage footprint providing reliable access from almost anywhere in the country. In addition, Wingcast will be able to access the latest voice and data services available due to Verizon Wireless' continued expansion of its advanced digital network."

In addition to expansive network coverage, Wingcast is taking advantage of Verizon Wireless' use of digital CDMA technology to provide fast and reliable in-vehicle wireless services. In areas where the Verizon Wireless 1XRTT Express Network for data is available, Wingcast customers will have faster sustained data transmission speeds. This enables more reliable delivery of mainstream applications such as email and enterprise software, customized graphics packages, accessing company Intranet and external Internet services, commercially available information services, instant messaging, and streaming video.

"Our agreement with Wingcast provides Verizon Wireless with a whole new opportunity for incremental business in the increasingly important telematics arena," said John Stratton, Chief Marketing Officer for Verizon Wireless. "Our CDMA footprint will enable us to deliver the highest quality of voice and data services to Wingcast and its customers."

About Wingcast, LLC

Wingcast, LLC (www.wingcast.com) was created by Ford Motor Company and QUALCOMM Incorporated in October 2000 to provide telematics services - the integration of computing and wireless telecommunications with motor vehicles to enhance safety, security, productivity and enjoyment for consumers in a mobile environment. Wingcast is dedicated to the development and delivery of advanced wireless applications and telematics services that deliver on the promise of connected freedom for mobile users both in and outside of vehicles.

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). 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.