Georgia's Largest and Most Reliable 3G Network Now Even Stronger

ALPHARETTA, Ga., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- In its ongoing effort to provide the best wireless service, Verizon Wireless announced today that it invested more than $55 million in the second quarter of 2010 to enhance its network in Georgia. This network enhancement is part of Verizon Wireless' consistent, aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for the company's voice and data services.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $60 billion nationally since it was formed – $5.7 billion on average every year – to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. Since 2003, the company has invested over $1 billion in Georgia.

"Our focus has been and always will be on network quality. The network is what enables our customers to truly enjoy the features of their devices," said Jeff Mango, president, Georgia/Alabama Region for Verizon Wireless. "It's not just about making calls and sending and receiving email anymore. People are using their mobile devices to search the web, navigate using GPS applications, connect to social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, and much more.  At Verizon Wireless we strongly believe in empowering our customers to do all of these things no matter where they are in the state. "

Faster, Expanded Coverage Statewide

The Verizon Wireless network was upgraded and enhanced during the second quarter of 2010 in 88 counties statewide and in the Atlanta area including near Georgia Institute of Technology, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and Coca-Cola Headquarters. The towns of Albany and Macon also both received multiple 3G network enhancements, in addition to network upgrades in the following areas:

Legacy Alltel Sites

The company also finalized the integration of legacy Alltel cell towers in the residential and commercial areas of LaGrange, Newnan, Logansville and Peachtree City. Legacy Verizon Wireless customers now enjoy the immediate benefit of 8 new area cell sites, while legacy Alltel customers are now able to take advantage of over 50 Verizon Wireless cell sites. The integrated network is 100 percent 3G.

Trusted Wireless Connectivity

Verizon Wireless invests more in its network than any other wireless service provider in the United States and tests its network and those of its competitors to ensure the Verizon Wireless network remains the nation's most reliable. Using sophisticated testing equipment in specially equipped company vehicles, Verizon Wireless network systems performance engineers drove 497,700 miles to conduct 1.69 million voice call attempts and 9.7 million data tests on the Verizon Wireless network and the networks of major competitors across the United States during the first six months of 2010.

Currently, 97 percent of Georgia's population is covered by Verizon Wireless' 3G network, providing customers with the ability to browse the Web faster for quick page-loading times, quick downloads for music and 3D games, streaming video, e-mails with attachments, video conferencing and more.

"Our focus is on providing the best customer experience, which we know is largely driven by our network," says Mango. "Our test men and women in Georgia enable us to not only understand our customers' experiences today, they also allow us to make decisions on network investments that will provide the best service in the future. A superior and reliable wireless network is no longer measured by 'bars' or new cell towers. Our investment is largely focused on adding power and capacity to our existing statewide 3G network."

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 92 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with  79,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, Nasdaq: VOD).  For more information, visit 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 www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless