Verizon Wireless Launches VZ Navigator 5.0

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, provider of the nation's largest and most reliable 3G network, today announced the launch of VZ Navigator® 5.0, the newest version of its award-winning map, navigation and local search service, which helps users find their way around town.  Powered by TeleCommunication Systems, Verizon Wireless' VZ Navigator is a GPS-enabled service that transforms a wireless smartphone or handset into an all-in-one powerful navigation and communication device, enabling customers to find useful information and discover new places and destinations.  

Beginning today on select devices, VZ Navigator 5.0 will offer impressive enhancements to the existing service that take advantage of location-based technology, including an updated, easy-to-use interface, improved functionality finding points of interest, and the ability to run multiple VZ Navigator functions simultaneously within a navigation session.  The service is now integrated with Facebook®, allowing users to keep up with their friends, family and social networks by updating their Facebook statuses directly through VZ Navigator, with the option to include and share their locations.  Customers can also use Verizon Wireless' Roadside Assistance service to send their location to a dispatcher so assistance may reach them more quickly.  

Other new features now available with VZ Navigator 5.0 include:

• Improved Customer Experience – No need to wait for the entire route to download before starting their voyage because data will now be streamed, causing display screens to populate more quickly
• Enhanced Points of Interest – Access to premium places of interest with detailed descriptions, clearly branded by Map Icons
• Traffic Crowd Sourcing – Opt-in to anonymously send real-time location and speed to the VZ Navigator traffic reporting service, allowing quicker notifications and improved accuracy for all VZ Navigator users
• Alerts for Other Road Attributes – Graphic notifications for tunnels, U-turns, traffic circles and toll plazas  
• "Say it Mode" – Select BlackBerry® smartphones and Windows Mobile® handsets allow customers to verbally search for and update destinations

Pricing and Availability

VZ Navigator 5.0 will roll out on select smartphones and handsets beginning today, including the BlackBerry® Curve™ 8530 smartphone, LG enV® TOUCH, HTC Touch Pro2™ and Samsung Omnia™.  The service will be available on additional devices in the coming weeks.  Current subscribers with VZ Navigator 5.0-capable devices will get a message the next time they launch the service, prompting them to upgrade to the new version.  New VZ Navigator subscribers with select smartphones and handsets can download the service from Get It Now®/Media Center and VZ Start or can add the feature through My Verizon.    

VZ Navigator is available for $9.99 a month for unlimited access or $2.99 for a one-day/24-hour use on certain devices.  The monthly charge includes continuous updates to maps and points of interest, unlike traditional navigation devices and navigation devices built into automobiles that require annual upgrades to remain accurate.  Download charges vary and airtime or megabyte charges may apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications.

Verizon Wireless launched VZ Navigator in January 2006 with Networks In Motion, a pioneer in the turn-by-turn navigation space, that was acquired by TeleCommunication Systems in 2009.  TeleCommunication Systems is a leader in location-based technology whose mobile services empower consumers to make quick, smart decisions when they're on the go.  NAVTEQ provides all of the digital map content for VZ Navigator including its extensive points of interest (POI) database to help enable mobile local search.  

Verizon Wireless reminds customers that when behind the wheel, safe driving should always be the first priority.  For additional information and a full set of terms and conditions for VZ Navigator, visit www.verizonwireless.com/vznavigator.  

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.    

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (Nasdaq and LSE: 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.

About TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (Nasdaq: TSYS) is a world leader in high availability and secure mobile communication technology.  TCS is at the forefront of new mobile cloud computing services providing wireless applications for navigation, hyper-local search, asset tracking, social applications, and infrastructure for E9-1-1, text messaging, and telematics. Millions of consumers around the world use TCS wireless apps as a fundamental part of their daily lives. Federal government and intelligence agencies depend on TCS' cyber security expertise, professional services, and highly secure deployable satellite solutions for mission-critical communications. TCS is headquartered in Annapolis, MD and has technical, service and sales offices around the world. To learn more about emerging and innovative wireless technologies, visit www.telecomsys.com.

Subject to specific terms of use. Features, functionality and capabilities may vary on different devices and may require additional fees (such as text messaging, airtime or Roadside Assistance) and may require contracts with third parties (such as Facebook). Available only in the National Enhanced Services Rate and Coverage Area. Always use caution when displaying your location or other information to third parties. Do not attempt to enter or change information while driving. Traffic features are limited to major roadways in certain areas only. Accuracy and completeness of information is not guaranteed. The daily pricing option is available on select models. Downloading the VZ Navigator application will require approximately 2 MB of data. Megabyte charges will not be incurred for domestic use of the application after download to the device. Unlimited data allowance BlackBerry and smartphone subscribers will not incur download charges. Network details, coverage limitations and maps are available at www.verizonwireless.com.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless