Verizon Wireless Launches High-Speed Wireless Broadband Network In Tallahassee, FL

[Andy]

Verizon Wireless Launches High-Speed Wireless Broadband Network In Tallahassee, Florida Area

Media Contact Info

Chuck Hamby
Chuck.Hamby@VerizonWireless.com
813-615-4803



02/28/2005

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Verizon Wireless announced today the launch of a high-speed wireless broadband network in the Tallahassee area. The new Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) technology is the fastest commercially available high-speed wide-area network in the nation and will allow business users and consumers to use a wide array of wireless services and applications, including BroadbandAccess and V CAST.

With BroadbandAccess service and an aircard in their laptop computer, users can surf the internet, download applications and connect to corporate servers with typical speeds of 300-500 kilobits per second (kbps), and capable of reaching speeds in excess of 2.0 mbps. This provides mobile workers full access and productivity, just as if they were at their desks and attached via a high-speed wired connection, but with the freedom of true mobility.

V CAST is another brand new technology, which sends and plays streaming video content such as current news, weather, sports and entertainment programming on mobile phones. Consumers also can download and play three-dimensional games, music videos, short custom television programs – called mobisodes – and many other applications specifically designed for mobile handsets.

“Tallahassee is a great fit for services like BroadbandAccess and V CAST with the wide variety of very mobile government, business and tech-savvy university users here,” said Mike Lanman, Florida region president of Verizon Wireless. “These wireless customers will be able to conduct business and research, enjoy entertainment and so much more anytime, anywhere in the EV-DO coverage area via a secure, reliable high-speed data connection.”

The high-speed data network will at launch cover most of Tallahassee, including the Capitol complex and state satellite offices, Tallahassee International Airport, and the Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College campuses. The broadband network was launched in key Florida cities in 2004 and will continue to be enhanced in 2005 and beyond.

“These first mobile users to have the opportunity to experience wireless broadband in Florida have been very enthusiastic about the great boosts in speed, productivity and entertainment,” Lanman said. “This is the type of value and response is why we make such large investments in wireless technology and our network here in the Panhandle and across Florida.”

In 2004, Verizon Wireless invested $220 million in network enhancements in the state, some of that total to prepare transmission sites in Tallahassee to be broadband-capable. Additional network investments are planned for 2005 to enhance the wireless broadband network in key cities across Florida where it previously was launched, such as Miami, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Clearwater and Jacksonville.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive 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.

Test Man Ride-Along Program
The specially equipped Verizon Wireless test vehicles simultaneously test seven wireless providers, using a computerized program to generate phonically diverse “conversations.” Members of the media who are interested in setting up an interview or ride-along with a local member of the Verizon Wireless team of real-life test men and women, please contact Chuck Hamby at 813-615-4803 or via email at chuck.hamby@verizonwireless.com.