Verizon Wireless' 3G high-speed data network covers 80 percent of the U.S. population -- the most people of any wireless service provider -- allowing customers to browse the Internet, download music, send e-mail and picture and video messages faster, in more places.

"Our high-speed network is the biggest and the best in the wireless industry, covering more Americans than any other wireless service provider, and with its size, scope and reliability gives our customers the best wireless experience in the industry," said Jack Plating, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless. "Our dedication to investing in and expanding our voice and data network is the bedrock of what we do -- both for our customers and as a business."

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network and is a leader in building advanced wireless networks. In 2003, the company was the first to offer 3G wireless broadband service and has continued to build out and enhance its coast-to-coast wireless broadband network ever since. Last summer, it upgraded this national wireless broadband network to CDMA 1x Evolution-Data Optimized Revision A technology, allowing for faster uploads.

In November, the company announced plans to launch a 4G network. Beginning in the 2010 timeframe, the company will launch a 4G network, using LTE -- Long Term Evolution -- technology and the nationwide 700 MHz spectrum it recently purchased. LTE will enable customers to access data at even faster speeds, plus provide a common wireless technology platform with true global scale that is compatible with existing network technologies of both Verizon and Vodafone -- joint owners of Verizon Wireless.

Verizon Wireless' most reliable network claims are based on tests conducted by the company's real-life test men and women, who monitor and test the network every day to help deliver a great customer experience. The quality testing teams drive specially equipped test vehicles to test network performance, call quality and data network performance on the Verizon Wireless network and the networks of up to seven other wireless carriers.

Verizon Wireless invests more in its network than any other wireless service provider. 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. In each of the last three years, Verizon Wireless has invested $6.5 billion or more to expand and advance its network for customers nationwide.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to .

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 and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: . 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