Verizon Wireless Clarifies Status of Priority Access
November 5, 2001
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BEDMINSTER, NJ
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Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless service provider, this evening issued a statement on providing Priority Access Service at times of a national emergency.
"We are currently in discussions with the Federal Government about providing priority access to emergency workers during times of a national emergency. Some media reports suggesting a deal has been struck between Verizon Wireless and the Government, however, are premature. Our hope is to reach an agreement with the Government and to resolve technological and regulatory issues soon. We recognize that the Government needs an industry-wide priority access solution, and Verizon Wireless continues to be committed to working with Federal authorities, including the National Communications System and the Federal Communications Commission, to implement an industry-wide solution."
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 28.7 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 and GTE Wireless. 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.