Verizon Wireless adds 42 new cell sites and invests $106 million in Washington in2007

[Andy]

Verizon Wireless adds 42 new cell sites and invests $106 million in Washington in 2007

BELLEVUE, WA — Washingtonians are making more calls and wireless data transmissions thanks to the company’s $106 million plus network investment in 2007. That’s an average of more than $290,000 per day spent to provide customers in the state with reliable, high-quality wireless service.

Verizon Wireless’ ongoing network investment now totals more than $730 million in Washington over the past seven years. The company has invested more than $44 billion since the company was formed – on average $5.5 billion each year.

The investment includes adding 42 new cell sites as well as enhancements to many more to improve call quality and enable more customers to make calls at the same time. The multi-million dollar investment also includes the expansion of the company’s Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Rev. A broadband wireless data network throughout the state.

More specifically the network investments made last year in Washington are delivering:

More coverage and capacity

* Network expansion: 42 key new cell sites throughout the state, including those that improved coverage in Auburn, Bellingham, Buckley, Chelan, Cheney, Easton, Fairchild Airforce Base, George, Lynden, Moses Lake, Port Angeles, Puyallup, Seattle, Redmond, Renton, Tacoma, and Vancouver. Service was also enhanced along Highways 3, 9,195, and 395.
* Network enhancements: Capacity additions to stay ahead of growth in the number voice and data calls happening at the same time.
o Year-over-year growth in voice usage in 2007 topped 12 percent.
o Wireless data traffic, such as text messaging, e-mail and V CAST Music, increased 22 percent.

Most reliable wireless network in the nation

* Testing: Verizon Wireless’ network technicians (who serve as the inspiration for the famous “It’s the Network” ad campaign) traveled approximately 730,000 miles across the state this year – the equivalent of going to moon, back to earth, and back to the moon with 16,000 miles to spare. The technicians measure the quality of voice and data calls on the Verizon Wireless network, as well as other carriers’ networks.
* Emergency assistance: Deployed 15 Cell on Wheels/Cell on Light Truck mobile cell sites to provide wireless communications for community events as well as weather related emergencies.
* Emergency preparedness: Added additional equipment to provide backup power in the event of a commercial power failure.

Wireless technologies and devices

* Broadband speeds: Customers in Washington can now access high-speed wireless Internet, e-mail, mobile music, and more. The high-speed data network enables both BroadbandAccess and V CAST services.
* TV: Verizon Wireless launched V CAST Mobile TV in the Puget Sound area as well as Spokane, giving residents the freedom to leave their homes and still keep up with many of their favorite TV programs while on-the-go.
* Devices: The network expansion supported the introductions of new wireless devices giving customers a comprehensive selection of music, multimedia, e-mail, and voice services. In the fourth quarter the company introduced four iconic devices for holiday shoppers: the Verizon Wireless Juke by Samsung; the Venus™ by LG and the Voyager™ by LG, exclusive to Verizon Wireless; and the BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8130 smartphone.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 65.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: Cell Phones, Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Accessories - Verizon Wireless. 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 www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Customers In Washington Make More Calls