Verizon Wireless Expands 3G Network Coverage in Jefferson County -- New cell site improves coverage and capacity in Pamelia -- Provides access to 3G wireless broadband service -- Meet one of Upstate New York's local Test Men, Jack Brandes

WATERTOWN, N.Y., Nov. 12, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Verizon Wireless is investing in Jefferson County and expanding its local coverage with a new cell site in Pamelia. The new site improves coverage and capacity along portions of Route 81 between Exits 46 and 48, Route 11 between Court Street and Cole Road, and portions of County Routes 12F and 283 in the city of Watertown.

This network expansion is part of the company's aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless' voice and data services. The company has invested more than $60 billion nationwide since it was formed - $5.7 billion on average every year - and invested more than $100 million in Upstate New York in 2009.

"We've always believed even the most advanced device is only as good as the network it runs on. We continue to aggressively invest in our Upstate New York network to increase coverage and capacity for our customers, add new services, and maintain our 3G network leadership," said Gene Fassett, executive director of Network for Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region.

Verizon Wireless recently earned recognition from J.D. Power and Associates for "Highest Call Quality Performance among Wireless Cell Phone Users in the Northeast." Services include wireless data services such as V CAST Video and V CAST Music with Rhapsody, and MobileBroadband, the company's high-speed wireless broadband network geared toward mobile professionals and business customers. It provides average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second, and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps.

Strong demand for Verizon Wireless' services continued during the third quarter of 2010 as the company added nearly one million net new customers.

The company's "nation's most reliable wireless network" reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and women throughout the country. These engineers drive nearly 100 specially equipped vehicles more than 1 million miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets. Test vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 3 million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers. Check out our new video of Western New York Test Man, Jack Brandes.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, 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 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 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 www.prnewswire.com Copyright (C) 2010 PR Newswire. All rights reserved -0- KEYWORD: New York INDUSTRY KEYWORD: WIC

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