SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless has activated a new cell site in Gardner, Ill., that expands network coverage and increases capacity, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls, send and receive email and text, picture and video messages, and download games and ringtones while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

This new cell site improves Verizon Wireless' voice and data network in the community of Gardner and north to Illinois Route 53, south to County Road E1900 North, west to Illinois Route 47 and east to Country Road N1800 West. Additionally, the cell site improves signal penetration into area buildings.

"This network enhancement reflects our ongoing commitment to meet the growing needs of our customers and to provide them with the reliable, high quality service they expect from Verizon Wireless," said T.J. Fox, president- Illinois/Wisconsin Region, Verizon Wireless.

Reliable service is fundamental to customer loyalty, and Verizon Wireless boasts the highest customer loyalty in the industry. During the third quarter of 2006, only 1.2 percent of its customers disconnected their service, which is well below the industry average.

"The value we offer our customers is closely tied to our industry-leading customer retention," Fox said. "Wireless consumers today understand that value is not defined by price alone. A major reason our customers choose Verizon Wireless and stay with us is because we offer the nation's most reliable network."

The new cell site in Grundy County is part of Verizon Wireless' continuous effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Illinois and across the country. Verizon Wireless has invested $30 billion in the last six years -- $5 billion on average every year since the company was formed -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. More than $151 million of this investment was spent in Illinois in 2005.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 56.7 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://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 http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia .

CONTACT: Carolyn A. Schamberger, APR, Verizon Wireless,
+1-847-619-4282, carolyn.schamberger1@verizonwireless.com

Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/
http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia