Verizon Wireless Invests Nearly $28.6 Million In 2007 To Enhance South Dakota Network

[RJB]

SIOUX FALLS, SD — Verizon Wireless announced today it invested nearly $28.6 million in 2007 to enhance its network in South Dakota. The enhancements included building new – and upgrading existing – cell sites and increasing the network coverage area within the state.

“In 2008 we will continue to make improvements to our network in South Dakota,” said Nancy B. Clark, president – Great Plains region, Verizon Wireless. “Network reliability is the No. 1 reason that customers choose and stay with Verizon Wireless.”

Verizon Wireless has invested $174.1 million over the past seven years on improvements to its network in South Dakota, including the following upgrades made in 2007:

* Twenty-nine new cell sites were activated statewide to improve network coverage and capacity, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls; send and receive e-mail and text, picture and video messages, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.
* Equipment on 30 existing cell sites throughout the state was upgraded, which further improved network capacity.
* Nine permanent backup generators were installed at South Dakota cell sites to ensure network functionality during times of crisis. Now, 75 percent of cell sites in the state have permanent generators on-site.

These network improvements are part of Verizon Wireless’ continual effort to expand coverage, improve capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in South Dakota and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $44 billion since it was formed – more than $5.5 billion on average every year – to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services.

Verizon Wireless Invests Nearly $28.6 Million In 2007 To Enhance South Dakota Network