Verizon Wireless Has the Bases Covered for Spring Training Fans in Ari

Verizon Wireless Has the Bases Covered for Spring Training Fans in Arizona; New Site Added to Serve Peoria Sports Complex

    Business Editors/Sports Editors/Baseball Writers

    PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 21, 2005--

Network Primed for 2005 Cactus League Games
    To provide the most reliable wireless network for Arizonans and the more than 1 million visitors who will attend Major League Baseball's spring training here this month, Verizon Wireless has added capacity to key cell sites and dispatched crews of real-life "test men" to fine tune its network across the state.
    To prepare for Cactus League play and other events, the company added a new cell site in 2004 that now provides additional coverage and capacity to Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Ariz. Verizon Wireless' network provides wireless service at each of the Cactus League stadiums, as well as throughout the state.
    In 2004, Verizon Wireless invested more than $75 million to provide the best possible wireless experience in Arizona, further expanding and enhancing its wireless voice and data network in the state. Each year, Verizon Wireless invests about a billion dollars every 90 days in its national network, constantly improving and expanding what already is the most reliable nationwide wireless network in the United States.
    "Our network investment, including the new site serving Peoria Sports Complex, is yet another way we deliver on our commitment to provide our customers with the most reliable wireless network, both day to day and during the spikes in wireless usage that occur with the onset of spring training and other major events in Arizona," said Tami Erwin, regional president of Verizon Wireless. "Our network team works to ensure the system is in top shape to handle the increased volume of calls during spring training, when people will not only be making calls, but also sending pictures and text messages to family and friends."
    Fans attending games in the Valley of the Sun can also use Verizon Wireless' new V CAST multimedia service to download unlimited video clips from FOX Sports and ESPN to catch daily sports highlights. The nation's first 3G wireless broadband multimedia service for consumers, V CAST delivers crystal-clear short content on-demand, live-action 3D games, music videos, and much more to wireless phones.

    Editor's Note: Test Man Ride-Along Program for the News Media

    Specially-equipped Verizon Wireless test vehicles simultaneously test the networks of as many as eight wireless providers, using a mobile laptop computer to generate phonically diverse "conversations." If you are interested in setting up an interview or ride-along test drive with your locally based Verizon Wireless test man or woman, please contact Jenny Weaver at 480-763-6321.

    About Verizon Wireless

    Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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CONTACT: Verizon Wireless Jenny Weaver, 480-763-6321 Jenny.Weaver@VerizonWireless.com

KEYWORD: ARIZONA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SPORTS TELECOMMUNICATIONS PRODUCT SOURCE: Verizon Wireless

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