New Orleans, Louisiana Gets Faster Internet Access Through Verizon Wireless

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Verizon Wireless today announced that its high-speed data network, the Express NetworkSM, is available in the New Orleans area. Allowing for faster wireless Internet access, the Verizon Wireless Express Network offers speed ranges from 40 kbps (dial-up modem speeds) to 60 kbps with data speeds capable of 144 kbps (approaching DSL speeds), and is the first and only national high-speed data network in the U.S.

With this technology, local businesses can browse the Internet, access corporate intranets and gain full access to email at unprecedented wireless speeds. The Verizon Wireless Express Network also delivers faster downloads of large files and the ability to utilize and transmit digital photography wirelessly. Extending its lead in the high-speed wireless data arena, Verizon Wireless reaches more people than any other wireless service provider in the United States. It is currently available in 29 markets coast to coast.

"Just getting to the Internet isn't enough. Our customers want to get there faster," said Katherine Greene, Houston/Gulf Coast region president of Verizon Wireless. "We've had positive responses from customers regarding the New Orleans Express Network launch. One thing that our customers have particularly enjoyed is the variety of ways that they can access the network. From the Sierra AirCard to a variety of wireless phones, there are plenty of options to feed their need for speed."

New Pricing Plans

Verizon Wireless recently announced a new, affordable calling plan for Express Network customers. Beginning in June, data-hungry customers can download unlimited data on the Express Network for a flat rate of just $99.99 monthly access with some restrictions. Customers can sign up for one of two types of plans. Time-based usage plans begin at $35 monthly access for 150 minutes of connection, which may be used for either voice or data calls, up to $55 and $75 monthly access that include 400 and 600 minutes respectively. For enterprise customers, Verizon Wireless offers pricing based on megabyte usage for heavy data users with rate plans starting at $35 monthly access for 10 MB, $55 monthly access for 20 MB, and $75 monthly access for 40 MB of data sent and received. Both price plans culminate at $99.99.

Equipment Choices

Business and individual Express Network customers can choose the right equipment that best suits their needs. The Verizon Wireless 2235 handset from Kyocera, the VX1 by LG and the 9155-GPX from Audiovox are each compact wireless phone options with varied pricing and features. These wireless phones function as a modem to access the Express Network when used with a compatible Mobile Office connectivity kit (sold separately) and laptop. The latest all-in-one device that enables consumers to use the same device to make voice calls, access the Express Network or Mobile Web is the Thçra—the newest Windows Powered Pocket PC, by Audiovox, which is also a dual-band wireless phone. Thçra is a powerful mobile computing device that can access data on several platforms. For customers who value the form factor of a PC card, the AirCard 555 from Sierra Wireless can be used with laptops and select PDAs.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 30 million 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 http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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