Verizon Wireless Invests Nearly $26.2 Million In 2007 To Enhance North Dakota Network

[RJB]

FARGO, ND — Verizon Wireless announced today it invested nearly $26.2 million in 2007 to enhance its network in North Dakota. The enhancements included building new – and upgrading existing – cell sites, increasing coverage area, and expanding its high-speed wireless broadband network to many new markets.

“In 2008 we will continue perfecting our network so that our customers can depend on us every time they pick up their wireless phones,” 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 $129.4 million since 2000, when the company was formed, on improvements to its network in North Dakota, including the following upgrades made in 2007:

* Sixteen 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; download music, games and ringtones; and view high-quality videos while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.
* Equipment on 52 existing cell sites throughout the state was upgraded, which further improved network capacity.
* One permanent backup generator was installed at a North Dakota cell site to ensure network functionality during times of crisis. Now, over 98 percent of all cell sites in North Dakota have backup generators on-site.
* The company expanded its high-speed wireless broadband network to 74 cell sites including the following areas: Minot, Williston and portions of northwestern North Dakota, Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and a number of other North Dakota communities along Interstate 29 and Interstate 94, which connect these cities. Verizon Wireless customers in these communities are enjoying two prime services:
o BroadbandAccess, the enhanced high-speed wireless service that equips Verizon Wireless’ business customers with a truly untethered mobile office experience, enabling them to wirelessly access their calendars, the Internet, e-mail, and critical business information residing behind their companies’ firewalls; and
o V CAST, a consumer-oriented multimedia service that gives customers access to the most comprehensive selection of downloadable music, high-quality videos and the coolest 3D games found anywhere.
* In these broadband markets in North Dakota, Verizon Wireless business customers, residents and visitors can expect average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps. That means they can download a 1 Megabyte e-mail attachment – the equivalent of a small PowerPoint® presentation or a large PDF file – in about eight seconds and upload the same-sized file in less than 13 seconds.

Verizon Wireless Invests Nearly $26.2 Million In 2007 To Enhance North Dakota Network