Verizon Wireless to Invest More than $3 Million on the Island of Kauai During 2001

KAUAI, HI — In its continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents, Verizon Wireless today announced it will invest more than $3 million on the island of Kauai during 2001. The investment is part of a $25 million program by Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless provider, to enhance and expand the reach of its network in Hawaii.

So far this year, new digital cell sites have been built in Moloa'a, Kilauea and Nawiliwili, providing customers who live in and travel through the area with greater wireless network coverage and increased clarity when making wireless calls. In addition, network capacity enhancements have been completed in Kapa'a, Lihue, Koloa and Kukuiolono.

"Verizon Wireless' nationwide digital wireless network represents the first plank in the company's Worry Free Guarantee—a commitment to customers that they will enjoy the largest, most advanced nationwide wireless network," said Tony Simpson, regional president. "Verizon Wireless' aggressive investment on the island of Kauai is evidence of this commitment."

The recent appointment of Al Swierzy as Network System Performance Director - Hawaii Region, is further evidence of the company's commitment to its network. Swierzy joined the Hawaii network team in July and is responsible for the performance of the company's statewide network. "This year's capital investment on Kauai continues our expansion of geographic coverage, enables more simultaneous calls on our enhanced CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) digital network, improves signal delivery strength and creates the capacity for future services such as next generation wireless data services," said Swierzy.

"Verizon Wireless has a proud history in Hawaii. We've served customers on the islands for more than 15 years. We were the first to build a statewide cellular network and the first to bring wireless data applications to Hawaii. In 1996 Verizon Wireless introduced the use of Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) technology. Today, the company offers digital service throughout the state. By continually investing in our network, Verizon Wireless will be prepared to bring the next generation of wireless services to Hawaii customers," said Simpson.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 28 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.

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