has anyone experienced Verizon 3G footprint?

[amphibian]

I didn't see where this was discussed here since it was published
so I hope it's OK for a Kentuckian to see if Verizon delivering improved service.

And the Kyocera 2235 sounds like a lot of phone for $80,
I could immediately use voice activated dialing.

Anyone seen or obtained one of these ?

I'm interested because I assume it'll be available in a store me soon !

Text taken from

http://www.cdg.org/hot_news/index.as...802_ind_b.html

Verizon Wireless Launches Nation’s First Major Advanced Wireless Network: The Verizon Wireless Express Network

January 28, 2002 - BEDMINSTER, NJ

The company is the first U.S. wireless carrier to commercially launch a sizeable 3G footprint. The 1X network is available now to customers in areas of the Northeast U.S., from Norfolk, VA, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, up to Boston and in Portland, Maine; in the technology-savvy Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California; and in Salt Lake City, site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. 1X network capabilities are already available in more than 20 percent of the Verizon Wireless footprint, reaching more than 53 million Americans.

The Express Network is Verizon Wireless’ 1X data network, capable of data transmission speeds up to 144 kilobits per second (kbps). Business customers and individual consumers in Express Network markets may take advantage of high wireless data speeds and robust Internet access by using the new Verizon Wireless 2235 handset from Kyocera with a compatible Mobile Office kit as a modem for their laptops, or by using the AirCard 555 PC card from Sierra Wireless, for their laptops and select PDAs. Express Network subscribers on the high-speed data network can now have access to their company network or Internet at faster speeds.

"The rollout of our Express Network is a major expression of our differentiation in the wireless marketplace: the high quality of our wireless network," said Verizon Wireless chief technical officer Dick Lynch. "Wireless data is only as good as the network it’s on, and the premier Verizon Wireless network, already the most advanced in the nation, just took another giant step ahead of its competitors." Lynch added, "We will continue expansion of the Express Network, and by the close of 2002 the majority of the nearly 222 million covered POPs should be able to use the Express Network every day."

The Tethered Solution From Verizon WirelessBeginning today, the Verizon Wireless 2235 by Kyocera, a 1X data-compatible wireless handset, will be available through Verizon Wireless corporate sales and in those Communications Stores where the Express Network is available. The tri-mode wireless handset, which retails for $79.99, is a communications system that includes many attractive features: voice-activated dialing, a WAP browser, electronic games, two-way text messaging, and predictive text-input software for rapid text entry. With a subscription to the Express Network and a compatible Mobile Office kit, sold separately for $79.99, the 2235 offers customers the opportunity for faster Internet access. The company expects to announce more wireless handset options soon.

"Kyocera Wireless is pleased to support Verizon Wirleless’ launch of their Express Network with our new Kyocera 2235 1X wireless handset," said Skip Speaks, president and COO of Kyocera Wireless Corp. "The wireless industry has eagerly anticipated the launch of 1X, and Kyocera Wireless is proud to offer the first 1X phones commercially available on Verizon Wireless’ Express Network."Express Network equipment and service are available through Verizon Wireless corporate sales, select Communications Stores, or by calling 1-800-308-DATA.