Verizon Wireless Launches Internet Access For Pocket PC

Bedminster, NJ — Underscoring its ongoing commitment to providing mobile professionals with innovative services to improve productivity, Verizon Wireless today introduced Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) wireless data service for Pocket PC (PPC) and other Windows CE devices. The service runs on many of the most popular personal digital assistants (PDAs), including the Compaq iPAQ™ Pocket PC.

 The new Mobile IP Internet Access for Pocket PCs, which uses the Novatel Wireless PPC-only Merlin card, builds upon CDPD service initiated in 2000 for Palm and Minstrel users. In addition, the company announced lower rates for unlimited use of CDPD service for both types of PDAs: $24.95/month for unlimited browsing and e-mail usage in Verizon Wireless CDPD markets. Mobile IP Internet Access includes direct connection to the Internet, a POP3 e-mail account @airbridge.net, and access to existing e-mail accounts. Similar service is available for laptop users beginning at $39.95/month.

(EDITORS: The Verizon Wireless CDPD Network is available on the East Coast from New Hampshire to Virginia, including Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC and Richmond/Roanoke; in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region; throughout the Chicagoland area; in metropolitan St. Louis; in and around Houston; and in the San Francisco Bay region, Bakersfield and Fresno, CA. Service is also available in HI, KY, TN, IN, NC and SC. For a complete list of communities with the Verizon Wireless CDPD Network, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com/mobile_ip/svc_availability/index.html)

Customers may call toll-free to order Mobile Internet Access: 1-800-308-DATA (1-800-308-3282) or contact their local Verizon Wireless data sales team.

Gary Schulman, president of the Wireless Internet and Data Division at Verizon Wireless, said the Verizon Wireless service is perfect for mobile professionals. "Using our service, millions of PDA users can view full web pages, and have non-stop, real-time accessibility to their critical e-mail."

Schulman said the service can boost business productivity. "Realtors, outside sales organizations, executives, healthcare professionals, repair and delivery service providers - anybody who is on the move and relies on their PDA can see a bottom-line benefit to constant Internet and e-mail access," he noted.

An appropriate wireless modem is required for connection; they are available from Verizon Wireless at competitive prices: $149.99 for the Merlin modem and $278.00 (for Palm III) or $254.00 (for Palm V) for the Minstrel modem. Modems to support other PDA models are expected soon.

Using Verizon Wireless Mobile IP Internet Access
is as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Call 1-800-308-DATA (1-800-308-3282) and order Mobile IP Internet Access service and software, along with a modem if you don't have one. (iPAQ™ Pocket PC users must also have a PC Card Expansion Pack, available directly from Compaq.)
2. When your Mobile IP Internet Access modem arrives in a few days, install it as a plug-in through the Installation Wizard like any other piece of PDA software.
3. Start surfing the web and sending e-mail!

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