Five More Cell Sites Planned for 2004

Media Contact Info

Karen Smith
Karen.Smith@VerizonWireless.com
763-595-2511

Kristi Nelson
For Verizon Wireless
Kjn@lijla.com  
952-893-7140

08/18/2004

BISMARCK, ND — In its ongoing effort to provide a world-class wireless network for its customers, Verizon Wireless has activated 12 new digital cell sites in North Dakota this year and plans to add five others by the end of 2004.

The company’s continuing focus on network expansion in North Dakota will enable Verizon Wireless customers across the state to experience clearer reception, fewer dropped calls and the ability to use data applications such as text messaging and picture messaging.

“So far this year, we’ve not only completed our NationalAccess high-speed network in western North Dakota, but we’re enhancing call coverage and capacity as our customer base builds,” said Nancy Clark, president – Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless.

New Cell Sites Activated In 2004
Eastern North Dakota

• Barrie: new coverage and additional capacity for Kindred, Leonard, Walcott and Barrie.
  
• Emerado: new coverage and additional capacity; provides improved coverage for Grand Forks Air Force Base and along U.S. Highway 2 in both east and west directions.
  
• Cavalier: new coverage in Cavalier; provides coverage along Highway 5 running west to Pembina, east to U.S. Hwy. 81, north on Hwy. 18 to Hwy. 55, and south on Hwy. 18 to County Road 3.
  
• Southwest Fargo: improved coverage and capacity in South Fargo near the Fleet Farm store along Interstate 29.
  
• Glyndon, Minnesota: improved coverage and additional capacity east of Moorehead, Minn., on U.S. Hwy. 10.

Central North Dakota

• Jamestown: improved coverage and additional capacity in Jamestown near I-94.
  
• Pingree: new coverage in Pingree and along U.S. Hwy. 281; provides coverage between Carrington to the north and Jamestown to the south along U.S. Hwy. 281.
  
• Rugby: new coverage in Rugby and along U.S. Hwy. 2.

Western North Dakota

• Bismarck: new cell site at the University of Mary; improved in-building coverage on campus, and additional capacity for the southern portion of Bismarck.
  
• North Bismarck: improved capacity and coverage.
  
• Mott: new coverage in Mott and surrounding area.
  
• Minot: improved capacity and coverage in southern Minot.

Last year, Verizon Wireless invested $21 million to enhance its North Dakota network, and it will make a similar investment in 2004. Nationwide, the company has invested more than $12 billion during the past three years to expand and enhance its wireless voice and data network and ensure continued network reliability.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 40.4 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log onto www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless.