J.D. Power and Associates Ranks Verizon Wireless Highest for Call Quality Performance in Southeast Region, Including Georgia; Nation's Most Reliable Wireless Provider Recognized for Providing an Efficient Call Quality Experience

Business Wire, August 3, 2005

ATLANTA -- Verizon Wireless, owner and operator of the nation's most reliable network, announced today that the company has been recognized for sharing "Highest Call Quality Performance Among Wireless Cell Phone Users in the Southeast Region," which includes Georgia, in the J.D. Power and Associates 2005 Wireless Call Quality Performance Study(SM). Verizon Wireless ranked highest or shared highest honors in more regions than any other U.S. wireless provider in this year's study. Verizon Wireless' continuous network investments and upgrades have resulted in top call quality and performance for its customers in five regions covering 43 states and the District of Columbia.

The J.D. Power and Associates Wireless Call Quality Performance Study employs a call quality index based on seven criteria that impact overall carrier performance. The wireless phone subscribers surveyed were asked about their experiences with static/interference, connection on first try, voice distortion, echoes, dropped/disconnected calls, immediate voice mail notification and immediate text message notification. Verizon Wireless shared highest honors in the Southeast region, which includes Georgia.

"Customers today continue to expect more of their wireless service and we work hard to stay ahead of those expectations," said Dick Lynch, executive vice president and chief technology officer for Verizon Wireless. "Our reputation as the most reliable wireless provider and the U.S. industry leader in customer loyalty* is a result of our continuing investment of billions of dollars in the network and the unwavering commitment of our team of engineers and technicians who turn this investment into quality service improvements for our customers. We pledge to continue this network investment."

"We are committed to delivering the very best products, services and network to our Georgia customers," said Jim McGean, president of the Georgia/Alabama region. "Our industry-leading customer loyalty is a direct result of customers knowing Verizon Wireless delivers wireless service they can depend on at work and play."

Verizon Wireless' investment in its wireless network in the Georgia/Alabama totaled more than $420 million in 2004 alone and is part of the company's commitment to offer customers the nation's most reliable wireless voice network. The company's 'most reliable wireless network' claim is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women who inspired the company's national advertising campaign. The engineers conduct more than four million calls annually on the Verizon Wireless network and other national wireless carriers' networks while traveling more than one million miles across the nation.*

* Verizon Wireless has been recognized consistently for its leadership in the U.S. wireless industry, not only for its network coverage, products and services, but also for its customer service. In the first half of 2005 alone, Verizon Wireless posted the lowest customer turnover rates among national carriers and topped more third-party surveys of customer satisfaction.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 million voice and data 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 preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.>

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