- Data Capacity Increased to Enable Faster Uploads and Downloads - $153 Million Invested on Regional Network Upgrades in First Half 2009 - Network Investment Continues Through Year-End LAUREL, Md., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents in Abell, Md. and surrounding communities, Verizon Wireless has expanded its network with a new cell site. The new site provides increased wireless voice and 3G data coverage on Oakley Road, Colton Point Road, Abell Road, Doggie Lane, White's Neck Road and Gibson Road. The increased coverage is part of the company's aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless' voice and data services. In 2008, the company spent $264 million on regional network improvements and $153 million during the first half of 2009, with continued improvements planned through year-end, bringing total network investment in the region since 2000 to more than $2 billion. "We've always believed even the most advanced device is only as good as the network it runs on," said Mike Maiorana, regional president, Verizon Wireless. "We continue to aggressively invest in our network throughout Maryland to increase both coverage and capacity for our customers and to add new services." Verizon Wireless has the nation's largest and most reliable 3G broadband network with five times the coverage of other networks which makes advanced services like turn-by-turn navigation, over-the-air downloads of the latest applications, text/picture messaging, video and music downloads, web browsing and 3D gaming possible. Customer demand for these advanced services continues to grow. During the Third Quarter 2009, Verizon Wireless customers exchanged more than 153 billion text messages, 7.2 billion more than during the Second Quarter 2009; sent more than 2.8 billion picture/video messages, 1 billion more than the previous year; and downloaded more than 38 million songs and videos from V CAST. The company's "nation's most reliable wireless network" reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country. These engineers drive nearly 100 specially equipped vehicles more than 1 million miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets. Test vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 3 million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers. For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to http://www.verizonwireless.com/. Additional Information Mobile Broadband Internet Access Verizon Wireless' 3G high-speed wireless broadband network keeps customers connected. With Mobile Broadband from Verizon Wireless, notebook computer users can access email, download files and browse the Internet at broadband speed (average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps). A one megabyte email attachment -- the equivalent of a small PowerPoint® presentation or a large PDF file -- can be downloaded in about eight seconds and uploaded in less than 13 seconds. V CAST: Video and Music Powered by the company's 3G high-speed network, V CAST multimedia services offer customers the ability to download full song tracks, play cutting-edge 3D games and stream video clips straight to their phones. With content updated daily, customers can watch dozens of on-demand videos, including breaking news, weather, sports highlights and the hottest entertainment clips. V CAST Music with Rhapsody The company's wireless broadband network also powers its V CAST Music with Rhapsody service, which combines Verizon Wireless' world-class, over-the-air mobile music service with Rhapsody's leading desktop solution. V CAST Music with Rhapsody delivers unlimited access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players, and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers. With V CAST Music with Rhapsody, customers who purchase music over-the-air can download the master copy of the songs or albums to their PCs free of digital rights management (DRM) software that restricts how and where music can be played. About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving 89 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (Nasdaq and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit 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. DATASOURCE: Verizon Wireless CONTACT: Melanie Ortel of Verizon Wireless, +1-240-568-1429, ; or Sherri Cunningham for Verizon Wireless, +1-202-364-5856, Twitter: @VZWPRDC Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/

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