Verizon Wireless Launches Prepay Version of its Popular National Flat-Rate Calling Plan
Verizon Wireless Launches Prepay Version of its Popular National Flat-Rate Calling Plan
Special Introductory Rates With Up To 50 percent More Minutes
Available to El Paso and Las Cruces Customers
July 23, 2001
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EL PASO, TX
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Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless provider, today launched National Prepay Wireless service in El Paso, Texas and southern New Mexico. This pay-as-you-go option offers customers advantages similar to those of the company's all-inclusive digital SingleRate plans, which include no long distance charges and no roaming fees throughout most of the company's national network, and adds the simplicity and predictability of paying in advance.
As with the company's traditional digital plans, features like Voice Mail and Call Waiting are included at no additional cost with service on the most comprehensive, advanced wireless network in the U.S. The unique customer advantages of National Prepay Wireless are: no monthly bills, monthly fees, credit checks or long-term agreements.
Customers who purchase a National Prepay Starter card by July 31st will receive a special introductory offer with up to 50 percent more minutes and 10-cent weekend minutes. The additional minutes and the special weekend rate will stay with the customer for as long as they keep their National Prepay account active by buying more minutes with replenishment cards.
The promotional rates for National Prepay Starter cards are $30 for 90 minutes or $50 for 192 minutes. Replenishment cards for phones activated on the promotion are available in denominations ranging from $30 for 90 minutes to $150 for 1,153 minutes, bringing weekday calls to as little as 13-cents per minute. These prices include local and long distance calling as well as roaming on most of the company's national network and are competitive with many post pay plans.
"This is a high-quality wireless option, combining the predictability of prepay with the simplicity of flat-rate pricing and the sophistication of digital features and national calling," said Syd Gross, El Paso branch manager, Verizon Wireless. "This product continues our commitment to offer simple, affordable, national products."
Verizon Wireless' National Prepay plan requires a dual-mode or tri-mode digital phone.
National Prepay also features real-time account updates to the consumer. Before every call, the customer hears a recording stating their available minutes. After each call, the customer hears a recording stating their dollar account balance. Additionally, customers receive a reminder tone every minute as soon as the balance reaches four minutes.
For convenience, starter cards and prepay replenishment cards are available at most of the 16,000 retail outlets nationwide, including the company's 1,100 Communications Stores. Prepay cards also can be replenished by calling an 800 number or by using a credit card or on-line at http://www.verizonwireless.com
"National Prepay Wireless signals the mainstreaming of prepaid wireless, because it makes sense for wireless users with many different needs-from the business traveler whose company wants to manage telecom expenses, to the college student whose parents want her to keep in touch, but not without spending limits," Gross added.
Editor's Note: National Prepay Wireless Card images can be found in the Image Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com Select "News" to find the Image Library.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 28 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, GTE Wireless and PrimeCo Personal Communications. 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.