Wireless Competition In Pensacola To Expand Choices, Calling Areas And Services

PENSACOLA, FL — Wireless users in Pensacola now have the opportunity to be released from limited calling areas, long distance and roaming charges thanks to the arrival of the nation's largest wireless carrier.

Verizon Wireless recently opened its first two retail stores here, offering local residents the largest continuous coverage area, from Pensacola along the I-10 corridor through Louisiana, and for the first time in this market, local rate plans that include all of Florida with no roaming or long distance charges.

"Pensacola is now part of the nation's largest wireless network, which covers 90 percent of the U.S. population," said Katherine Greene, regional president for Verizon Wireless' Houston-Gulf Coast Region. "This means local residents and businesses can take advantage of Verizon's coverage and pricing benefits that come from having the most extensive coast-to-coast footprint."

In 2001, Verizon Wireless invested $100 million in its Gulf Coast network as part of a $4 billion nationwide network enhancement program that enabled the company to expand into smaller communities.

According to Greene, the company recently announced a three-year, $100 million nationwide call center that will bring customers even higher quality customer service than in the past. Pensacolians can expect faster service from Verizon Wireless representatives and first-call resolution if an issue arises.

"Nationwide, and in every local market we call home, we make a commitment to achieving the highest level of customer satisfaction," Greene said. "Just as we invest in our 'hardware,' or network equipment, we also invest in our 'software' - the people and processes that make doing business with us a pleasure."

Verizon Wireless brings the number of wireless carriers in Pensacola to seven, and according to Kerri Dixon, membership account executive of the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce, consumers will benefit from better values and more diverse service offerings.

"There are more than 200,000 wireless users in the Pensacola area," said Dixon. "And as more wireless companies like Verizon Wireless vie for customer loyalty, both consumers and businesses will see improved service and more choices, leading to solutions that are better suited to their specific needs."

Businesses can call 1-800-505-5105 to work directly with a Verizon Wireless business representative for customized wireless solutions.

Verizon Wireless has introduced its advertising campaign through local radio, print, television and outdoor billboards.

Verizon's retail stores are located at 5100 North Ninth Ave. in the Cordova Mall and at 1765 East Nine Mile Road. Its services will also be sold at three Radio Shack stores and several independent agents.

For more information on locations, hours and service offerings, Pensacolians can call 850-473-1124 (Cordova Mall location), 850-474-5093 (Nine Mile location) or visit the company's Web site at www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the leading wireless communications provider in the U.S., with the largest wireless network and more than 29.4 million 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). 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.

To update your profile or remove yourself from automatic News Delivery, please visit the Verizon Wireless Customized News Service Center.

####