Verizon Wireless Expands 3G Network Coverage in Onondaga County

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ --

-- Improves coverage and capacity in Nedrow

-- Provides access to 3G wireless broadband service

-- Part of $100+ million network investment in Upstate New York in 2009

-- Meet one of Upstate New York's local Test Men, Jack Brandes.

Verizon Wireless is investing in Onondaga County and expanding its local
coverage with a new cell site in Nedrow. The new site improves coverage and
capacity in Nedrow, as well as portions of Routes, 80, 11, 11A and I-81.

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
$50 billion nationwide since it was formed -- $5.5 billion on average every
year -- and plans to invest more than $100 million in Upstate New York in
2009.

"We've always believed even the most advanced device is only as good as the
network it runs on. We continue to aggressively invest in our Upstate New York
network to increase coverage and capacity for our customers, add new services,
and maintain our 3G network leadership," said Gene Fassett, executive director
of Network for Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region.

Services include wireless data services such as picture messaging, text
messaging, V CAST and V CAST Music with Rhapsody, ESPN MVP and
MobileBroadband, 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,
and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps.

Strong demand for Verizon Wireless' services continued during the second
quarter of 2009 as the company added 1.1 million net new customers. Verizon
Wireless, the wireless company with the highest customer loyalty, reported the
lowest customer turnover (highest customer loyalty) rate in the industry --
1.37 percent in the second quarter -- for the 19th 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. These engineers drive nearly 100 specially equipped vehicles more
than 1 million miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well
as major roads and surface streets. Test vehicles are equipped with computers
that automatically make more than 3 million voice call attempts and more than
16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks
of other carriers.

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 and largest wireless
voice and data network, serving 87.7 million customers. Headquartered in
Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 87,000 employees nationwide, Verizon
Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone
(NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit 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, http://twitter.com/johnnyverizon; or
Meredith Dropkin for Verizon Wireless, +1-315-413-4293, mdropkin@mower.com