Verizon Wireless' Multi-Million Dollar Investment In Pennsylvania Network Improves Coverage And Capacity For Bedford County Customers

BEDFORD, PA — Bedford County residents, as well as the thousands of travelers who use the area's major highways, will benefit from Verizon Wireless' 20 recently activated cell sites* in the county, which improve wireless phone service in this highly traveled portion of Pennsylvania. The company's $7.4 million investment along major thoroughfares enables more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls, send and receive text and picture messages, and download games and ringtones while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

The new cell sites stretch along the Pennsylvania Turnpike from New Baltimore at the western end of the county to Jackson Mills at the eastern border, and provide coverage at the Breezewood turnpike exit. They also span Route 220 from the county's southern border at Pea Vine Road to Sproul at the northern border of Bedford County. Coverage also is enhanced along Interstates 70 and 99 as well as Routes 26, 30, 31, 39, 56 and 96 where these roadways intersect or overlap with the turnpike or Route 220. Coverage is improved in towns along these routes as well as in Shawnee State Park and at Shawnee Lake and the Shawnee Dam.

"These network enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to meet the growing needs of our customers and to provide them with the reliable, high quality service they expect from Verizon Wireless," said Roger Tang, president—Ohio/Pennsylvania Region, Verizon Wireless.

Since its inception in 2000, the company has consistently spent more than $4 billion annually-and more than $5 billion last year-to expand and improve its network nationwide. During the first three quarters of 2005, Verizon Wireless invested approximately $200 million in Pennsylvania to maintain and enhance its network for customers.

*The 19 new cell sites are located in: Bedford, Bedford Springs, Breezewood, Burning Bush, Churchville, Cruse, Everett, Jackson Mills, Juniata, Manns Choice, Mench, North Bedford, Napier, New Buena Vista, Patience, Pea Vine Road, Penn Woods, Reynoldsdale, Schellsburg and Sproul.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 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.  

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