Verizon Wireless Expands Its Network in Roanoke, Virginia

LAUREL, Md., Nov. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents in Roanoke, Virginia, Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, has expanded its network with two new cell sites. The first site provides increased coverage along Route 311 towards New Castle, and along the north end of Old Blacksburg Road. The second site provides coverage south of Roanoke in the Poages Mill area of Route 221 going toward Bent Mountain.

In addition to adding two new sites, the company has doubled its call handling capacity for customers in Wills Ridge, Indian Ridge, Fancy Gap and Patrick Springs, and increased capacity by 33 percent for customers in Springhill, Kiser Hill, Waynesboro, Reservoir Hill, South Staunton, Tinkling Springs and Sampson.

These network expansions are part of the company's aggressive multi- billion Dollar network investment each year (more than $1 billion every 90 days) to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless voice and data services. Verizon Wireless is committed to offering customers the most reliable service available in the nation, including wireless data services such as picture messaging and text messaging.

Strong demand for Verizon Wireless services continued during the third quarter of 2005 as the company added 1.9 million net new customers. The company now serves 49.3 million customers nationwide.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations , log onto http://www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless .