Ulster County Residents to Benefit From Verizon Wireless Network Expansion

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:18am EDT

Investing to Stay Ahead of Growing Demand for Wireless Calling, Data Access,
and Music

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- In a continuing effort to provide
the best wireless service for local residents in Ulster County, Verizon
Wireless has expanded its network with a new cell site in New Paltz. The new
site improves coverage and capacity along New York State Route 209 from Route
213 to County Route 27, on Lucas Turnpike from Route 213 to Route 209, at the
Mohonk Mountain House Resort, and the area surrounding Mohonk Lake.

This network expansion is part of the company's aggressive multi-billion
dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for
Verizon Wireless voice and data services. The company has invested more than
$45 billion since it was formed -- on average, $5.5 billion every year -- to
increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new
services.

Services include wireless data services such as picture messaging, text
messaging, V CAST and V CAST Music, ESPN MVP and BroadbandAccess, the
company's high-speed wireless broadband network geared toward mobile
professionals and business customers. It provides average download speeds of
600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second (mbps), and average
upload speeds of 500-800 kbps.

Strong demand for Verizon Wireless services continued during the first quarter
of 2008 as the company added 1.5 million new customers. Verizon Wireless, the
wireless company with the highest customer loyalty, reported the lowest
customer turnover (highest customer loyalty) rate in the industry -- 1.2% in
the first quarter -- for the 14th consecutive quarter. 

The company's 'nation's most reliable wireless network' reputation is based on
network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the
country who inspired the "Can you hear me now" national advertising campaign.
These engineers drive nearly 100 specially equipped vehicles over 240,000
miles on average each quarter on Interstate, US and state highways, as well as
major roads and surface streets. Test vehicles are equipped with computers
that automatically make more than 750,000 voice call attempts and more than
four million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks
of other carriers.

Last year, Verizon Wireless introduced its 30-day Test Drive, an industry
first that lets customers experience its network virtually risk-free for 30
days. If customers are not satisfied with their experience and take their
number to another carrier, Verizon Wireless will refund their money for calls,
equipment, activation fee and taxes. For more information about Verizon
Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store,
call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. 

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data
network, serving 67.2 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J.,
with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of
Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more
information, go to: 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.



SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

John O'Malley of Verizon Wireless, +1-585-321-7264, or +1-585-261-5899,
john.omalley@verizonwireless.com; or Meredith Dropkin for Verizon Wireless,
+1-315-413-4293, mdropkin@mower.com
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