NASCAR Race Fans to Benefit From Verizon Wireless Network Boost at Michigan International...

NASCAR Race Fans to Benefit From Verizon Wireless Network Boost at Michigan
International Speedway

BROOKLYN, Mich., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless has activated a
temporary cell site to improve its voice and data network around the Michigan
International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn and accommodate the anticipated crowd
of about 100,000 visitors attending the NASCAR races and related events August
14-16.

The company has deployed a Cell on Light Truck (COLT) to boost capacity in the
area surrounding the race track. A COLT is a fully functional,
generator-powered mobile cell site that enhances wireless capacity in a
specific location--and works especially well in dense areas with large crowds.

Additionally, Verizon Wireless has upgraded equipment on its existing cell
sites in the area that provide coverage in and around MIS. Collectively the
company's upgrades will boost voice capacity by 600% and data capacity by more
than 1,000%. These improvements enable more customers to use their wireless
phones concurrently to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture
and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and
download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and
fewer dropped calls.

"As a result of our joining forces with Alltel, Verizon Wireless now has its
own network presence in Brooklyn," said Greg Haller,
president-Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region, Verizon Wireless. "Based on how
our customers use their phones at major sporting events, like NASCAR races, we
want to ensure we can handle every call, email, photo, text message and video
at this major sporting event."

On-site network improvements, including the enhanced coverage around MIS, are
part of Verizon Wireless' continual efforts to expand coverage, improve
capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in
Michigan and throughout the country.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $50 billion since it was formed--$5.5
billion on average every year--to increase the coverage and capacity of its
premier nationwide network and to add new services. The company spends more on
its wireless network than any other wireless service provider. Since the
company was formed in 2000, Verizon Wireless has invested $1.3 billion on
improvements to its wireless network in Michigan.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless
voice and data network, serving more than 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

Michelle Gilbert, Verizon Wireless, +1-248-915-3680,
michelle.gilbert@verizonwireless.com; Alan Upchurch, For Verizon Wireless,
+1-248-855-6777, aupchurch@marxlayne.com