Verizon Wireless Improves Network Coverage in West Michigan With 16 New Cell Sites

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Verizon Wireless announced today the completion of a six-month project to improve network coverage across west Michigan with the activation of 16 new cell sites in Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.

The new cell sites enable more customers to use their wireless phones to make calls, send and receive email and text, picture and video messages, and download games and ringtones while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

The newly activated cell sites enhance network coverage in the following areas:

• Along Interstate 94 between Battle Creek and Marshall, including the intersection of I-94 and Interstate 69;
• Along I-94 between Fair Plain and Stevensonville;
• Grand Valley, including Grand Valley State University;
• Alaska;
• East Cooper;
• Portage;
• West Lake and Austin Lake;
• Along Interstate 196 between South Haven and Riverside, including Palisades Park;
• Along State Road 43 between Kalamazoo and South Haven.

"West Michigan is heavily traveled, not only by area residents, but also by droves of Michiganders who make their way to the western side of the state for vacation," said Greg Haller, president—Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region, Verizon Wireless. "We spend millions of dollars every year on our network in Michigan to ensure our customers can connect with friends, family or work when they are traveling either through west Michigan or anywhere we offer service."

These new cell sites are part of Verizon Wireless' continuous effort to increase coverage and augment the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Michigan and across the country. Verizon Wireless has invested $30 billion in the last six years-$5 billion on average every year since the company was formed-to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. The company has invested $728 million in the past six years in its Michigan network.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 54.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, 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 preview and request 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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