Verizon Wireless Adds Mobile Cell Tower for Concert Goers in Bethel, NY

MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., May 9, 2011 -- In readiness for the 2011 outdoor concert season, Verizon Wireless has activated a temporary cell site in Bethel, NY, adding network coverage and capacity in the Village of Bethel along Route 17B from the Village of White Lake to Route 52. This site also improves coverage and capacity at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

The cell-on-light-truck (or COLT) is a fully functional, generator-powered mobile cell site that enhances wireless capacity, allowing more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls, surf the Internet, update their Facebook status, check in via Foursquare, send and receive text messages, and download apps, music, and games. Desktop and laptop computer users will even be able to use MobileBroadband, the company's wireless broadband service, to surf the Web at high speeds.

"Whether they're looking up a song title, tweeting about a performance, or sending a picture to a friend, our customers take full advantage of their wireless service to capture the moment during concerts, significantly increasing traffic on our local network," said Gene Fassett, executive director of Network for Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region. "By activating this temporary cell site, our network is prepared to handle the increased activity that comes with large events. We anticipate a big surge in voice calls, Internet access, and text messages and picture messages as concert goers use their wireless devices to capture and share the events."

The temporary cell site 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 $65 billion nationwide since it was formed – $6 billion on average every year – and invested more than $125 million in Upstate New York in 2010. Verizon Wireless' mobile cell sites are on constant standby to provide additional wireless network capacity and coverage in emergencies and at highly attended scheduled events.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).