2008-07-21 22:07:11 -

www.verizonwireless.com - Verizon Wireless, the wireless company with the highest customer loyalty, has activated a new cell site in Somerset County that improves its network coverage in Buckstown, along State Route 30 from Stoystown southeast to Buckstown and along State Route 160 from just south of Central City to Buckstown. Additional coverage includes the northern portions

of Lake Stoneycreek and Indian Lake.

With the improved network coverage, more customers can use their wireless phones to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; download music, games and ringtones; and view high-quality videos while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

"Network reliability is the No. 1 reason that customers choose and stay with Verizon Wireless," said Roger Tang, president-Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless. "Getting through on the first try and maintaining a connection are important to our customers. We continue to optimize our network so that it remains the most reliable in the nation."

This new cell site is part of Verizon Wireless' continual effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $45 billion since it was formed--$5.5 billion on average every year--to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. Last year, the company invested more than $235 million in its Pennsylvania network improvements.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 67.2 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE: VOD)(LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: 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 .

Verizon Wireless
Laura Merritt, 614-560-2605
laura.merritt@verizonwireless.com
or
For Verizon Wireless
Heather Pharo, 412-642-7700
heather.pharo@elias-savion.com