Verizon Wireless investing $36.5 Million to expand 3G / EVDO coverage in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 3 -- Verizon Wireless today announced that it has activated 11 new cell sites in Kentucky in the first half of the year and is on target to build a total of 20 new cell sites in 2009, while spending more than $36.5 million on its wireless voice and data network in the commonwealth this year.

The 20 new cell sites will expand network coverage and increase capacity, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones to make 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.

Where possible, Verizon Wireless will be installing permanent generators at its new cell sites, ensuring its customers can continue to communicate during power outages, tornados, flooding and other disasters. Nearly all of Verizon Wireless cell sites across the state built to date already have permanent generators installed, and that practice kept the network up and running during the massive power outages last winter and spring, especially in western Kentucky.

"A wireless phone is only as good as the network that it operates on," said Greg Haller, president-Kentucky/Indiana/ Michigan Region, Verizon Wireless. "Our customers depend on us to maintain a reliable network so that, when they press send, their calls go through and stay connected. Every year, we continue to invest millions of dollars in our Kentucky network because network reliability is our top priority and the No. 1 reason why customers choose Verizon Wireless."

Moving Forward with 4G

Verizon Wireless is also working this year on building the underlying infrastructure that will enable it to become the first wireless company to offer commercial 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE)-based service in the United States, starting in 2010.

"LTE enables us to continue to meet business customer demands for a higher bandwidth, low latency service that works broadly in the United States and globally, while helping us to meet consumer demand for mobilizing the many applications they frequently use when tethered to high bandwidth wired networks," said Haller. "We look forward to bringing a new, enhanced mobile broadband experience for consumers and enterprises throughout the United States."

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $50 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. The company spends more on its wireless network than any other wireless service provider.

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