Investing to Stay Ahead of Growing Demand for Wireless Calling, Data Access and Music as Area Businesses and Consumers Increasingly Rely on All-in-One Wireless Devices

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Wireless calling, text messaging and surfing the Mobile Web for email and information now are easier and faster for Verizon Wireless customers in Essex County, thanks to the activation of a new cell site in Newark.

The new cell site improves network coverage and capacity in Newark along Ferry Street and also on Raymond Boulevard from Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard to Blanchard Street.

With the improved network coverage, more customers can use their wireless phones to send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; view high-quality videos; and access turn-by-turn directions, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

"Reliable networks aren't built overnight," said Pat Devlin, president of the company's New York Metro Region. "Today's wireless customers demand much more than voice service and this network expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to stay ahead of the curve. New and exciting multimedia devices, like the BlackBerry(R) Storm, leverage the high-speeds of the Verizon Wireless 3G network. We will continue to efficiently invest in network enhancements to deliver the most reliable voice, data and multimedia services available."

Verizon Wireless has invested over $2 billion to enhance its New York/New Jersey Metro network and more than $48 billion across the nation since it was formed in 2000. The company's 3G wireless broadband network is the largest and most reliable in the U.S.

Demand for Verizon Wireless services continued during the third quarter of 2008 when the company added 1.48 million new customers, and continued its industry-leading customer loyalty rates. Verizon Wireless now serves more than 83.7 million customers nationwide. During the third quarter, the company delivered nearly 80 billion text messages and completed nearly 1.5 billion picture/video messages and 43 million music downloads.

Nationally, Verizon Wireless' real-life test men and women drive 98 specially equipped vehicles nearly one million miles each year on the country's most frequently traveled roadways to confirm that voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected. Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than three 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 on Verizon Wireless, please visit www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 83.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit http://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 athttp://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia .

SOURCE Verizon Wireless