Verizon Wireless Network in Southern California Stronger Than Ever

[Andy]

Let the flaming begin


Verizon Wireless Network in Southern California Stronger Than Ever Thanks to One Local Test Man, Joel Kenyon


Joel Kenyon Drove More Than 20,000 Miles in 2005 to Test the Verizon Wireless
Network

IRVINE, Calif., Dec 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Verizon Wireless test men
and women across the country continued to go the extra mile in 2005 to test
the company's nationwide wireless network. The ongoing efforts of Verizon
Wireless' real-life test men and women help ensure the overall quality and
reliability of the Verizon Wireless network.
One of more than 50 test men and women across the country, Joel Kenyon has
driven more than 20,000 miles this year in his specially equipped test vehicle
built to analyze the performance of Verizon Wireless' network. With his 2004
Chevy Trailblazer packed with more than $300,000 worth of testing equipment,
Kenyon uses his mobile laptop computer to generate phonically diverse
"conversations" that simultaneously test the Verizon Wireless network and the
networks of other wireless providers.
The ultimate road warrior, Kenyon regularly travels the roadways across
Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties to test the Verizon
Wireless network for call attempts and completions. The data gathered from
these calls is used to analyze network reliability and assist the company in
targeting improvements.
Verizon Wireless monitors its network year round, so Kenyon is regularly
on the road, driving, testing, calling and analyzing the Verizon Wireless
network at all sorts of places, including near the famous Hollywood sign in
metropolitan Los Angeles, around the shopping outlets in desert community of
Cabazon and near the world's tallest thermometer in the rural town of Baker.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH VERIZON WIRELESS TEST MAN JOEL KENYON

How did you become a "Test Man/Woman"?
I did a lot of drive testing at a previous job. When I decided to
relocate to Los Angeles, this job turned out to be a perfect fit.

What is the most interesting experience you've had at work?
I've helped people on the highway. I carry extra gas and water in the
desert, so I gave some water to a guy for his radiator in Ramona, and gas to a
woman walking along the highway west of El Centro. It was hot and she was
miles from town, so I'm sure she appreciated it.

What do you like most about your job?
I have the independence to do the job in the most efficient way possible.

What, if anything, do you have in common with the Test Guy in the ads?
I'm interested in making our network as good as it can be. I also have a
pair of black plastic glasses.

Test Guy's catchphrase is "Can you hear me now? Good." What's yours?
"Don't just point the way. Lead it."

What do you like best about your location in the U.S.?
I love the climate and the people here.

Do you have any interesting hobbies or skills outside of work?
I do a lot of hiking, and I lead people on nature hikes on weekends.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless
voice network, serving 49.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered
in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon
Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE: VOD; LSE). Find more
information on the Web at 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 at
http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.



SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com