Verizon Wireless Enhances Network For Its Customers At Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, KY — With more than 40,000 additional users expected on its network during the weekend of the Kentucky Derby, May 6-8, Verizon Wireless announced today that it is upgrading equipment on several permanent cell sites and activating two temporary cell sites in Louisville.

The temporary cell sites are fully functional, generator-powered mobile cell sites that enhance wireless capacity in a given area. Verizon Wireless will herd in a COW (cell on wheels) near Wizard Street and Longfield Avenue outside Churchill Downs and will corral a COLT (cell on light truck) near Fourth Street and Terrace Park Alley.

All of the upgrades will improve the company's digital network capacity in and around Churchill Downs as well as throughout downtown Louisville, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently. As a result of the enhancements, Verizon Wireless customers will experience fewer dropped calls and clearer reception while talking on their wireless phones, handling data applications (such as TXT and Picture Messaging) or downloading games and ringtones with the company's Get It Now® services.

"During Derby time, Kentuckians and visitors rely heavily on their wireless phones to keep in touch with friends and family," said Greg Haller, president—Kentucky/Indiana/Michigan Region, Verizon Wireless. "Consequently, our network is bustling with more activity in the vicinity of the races and in downtown Louisville. Based on the usage patterns of Derby-goers, we are increasing calling capacity by 50 percent near Churchill Downs and in the downtown area so that our customers will continue to receive the reliable service that they expect and deserve."

These improvements are part of Verizon Wireless' continuous effort to increase capacity and augment the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Kentucky and across the country. Nationally, the company invests about $1 billion every 90 days to improve and expand what is already the most reliable wireless network in the United States. Approximately $25.6 million of this investment was spent in 2004 to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless products and services in Kentucky.

Editor's Note: For an onsite tour of the COW or COLT, to take a photo or to schedule an interview with a Verizon Wireless Network expert, please call Michelle Gilbert at 248-915-3680.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

####