Verizon Wireless Respond to Tsunami Disaster

    Business Editors

    ALPHARETTA, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 10, 2005--

    Customers to Join In Efforts By Sending Text Message to "4CARE"; Company Foundation donations currently at over $2.5 Million With More
    To Come

    Verizon Wireless, the nation's most reliable wireless network, has mobilized their customers nationwide to aide with relief for the victims of the recent tsunami disaster in Asia by encouraging donations to Atlanta-based CARE, one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations fighting global poverty.
    Beginning Monday, Jan. 10, Verizon Wireless post-pay customers with phones capable of text messaging can use their phones to send a text message to the address 4CARE (42273) using the keyword "gift." They will receive a reply message asking them to confirm a donation to CARE of $5.00. To do so, customers will press "Y" on their keypad, and send that message. Customers wishing to donate more than once can send up to four additional text messages to 4CARE, for a total contribution of $25.00. The donations will appear on the customer's next monthly bill, and the entire amount of each donation will be provided to CARE's South Asia earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. Standard text messaging rates apply, and will be donated by Verizon Wireless to CARE when the program is completed in early February. Donations to CARE under this program are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
    In addition, the company, whose South Area Headquarters are located in Alpharetta, is matching employee contributions, including over 3,000 employees in Georgia, 2-to-1 through January 31 via the company's Verizon Foundation. Through employee and company contributions to date, the Foundation contribution is at over $2.5 million dollars in just one week for the American Red Cross and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Verizon Wireless customers can also donate online to these two organizations via the company's website: www.verizonwireless.com.
    "Verizon Wireless is, as a company, extremely committed to our communities - both locally and worldwide. Our customers send more than 1 billion text messages per month, and we're glad to put this technology to use for such an important cause," said Georgia/Alabama Region President Jim McGean. "Our employees are always at the ready to provide support where needed, whether it's hurricane relief here in the south, domestic violence prevention programs in Georgia, or even something as globally disastrous as the recent tsunamis."

    About Verizon Wireless

    Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, 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 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 Verizon Foundation

    Verizon Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications. Verizon Communications Inc. is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. With a diverse workforce of approximately 208,000, Verizon has four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband, nationwide long-distance and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

    About CARE

    CARE is one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations fighting global poverty. In 72 developing countries, CARE helps poor communities create lasting solutions to their most threatening problems. CARE's integrated projects include emergency relief, community rehabilitation and longer-term projects in areas such as education, health and small-business development. For more information please visit, www.careusa.org.

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CONTACT: Verizon Wireless Sheryl Sellaway, 678-339-5564 sheryl.sellaway@verizonwireless.com

KEYWORD: GEORGIA NEW JERSEY INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOURCE: Verizon Wireless

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