Verizon Wireless Invested More Than $25.4 Million in 2009 to Enhance Iowa Network

DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless announced today it invested more than $25.4 million in 2009 to enhance its digital network in Iowa. The enhancements included building sixteen new cell sites and upgrading equipment on 92 existing cell sites to increase coverage and capacity of the company's voice and 3G high-speed wireless network.

"With the integration of the former Alltel network we now offer customers unmatched high-speed wireless 3G coverage throughout Iowa," said Marni Walden, president–Midwest Area, Verizon Wireless. "The most advanced device is only as good as the network it runs on. Each year we continue to add new cell sites and invest in our network to enable us to stay ahead of our customers' increasing demands for fast and secure wireless data services."

From 2001 through 2009, Verizon Wireless invested more than $251.9 million on improvements to its network in Iowa, including the following upgrades made in 2009:

• Sixteen new cell sites were activated statewide to improve network coverage and capacity, enabling more wireless customers to use their phones concurrently to make voice calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.
• Performance-based equipment was installed at 56 cell sites across Iowa, increasing capacity of the company's advanced 3G high-speed wireless network as well as improving its speed and performance.
• Equipment was added to 42 cell sites across Iowa to increase voice capacity of the network.
• Permanent backup generators were installed at 13 existing Iowa cell sites to ensure network functionality during times of crisis.
• The Alltel and Verizon Wireless networks were integrated in 15 counties in parts of Central and Eastern Iowa, giving customers faster upload and download 3G data speeds. The improved coverage included these major highways: Interstate 80 between Des Moines and Iowa City; Interstate 380 between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids; and U.S. Highway 20 between Waterloo and Dubuque.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $55 billion since it was formed—$5.5 billion on average every year—to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. In 2009 alone, the company invested $7 billion to expand and advance its network.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (Nasdaq and LSE: 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

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