Verizon Wireless Brings 'COW' to Jamboree in the Hills / Cell On Wheels Will Boost Network Coverage and Call Capacity for Customers Visiting Annual Celebration

BELMONT, Ohio, July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless is bringing a temporary cell site -- called a COW, or Cell On Wheels -- to Belmont to provide additional network coverage and calling capacity for the thousands of people expected to flock to the Jamboree in the Hills country music event on July 16 through 19.

This service enhancement means that more customers can use the Verizon Wireless network concurrently, whether making voice calls or using data applications such as text and picture messaging.

"Jamboree in the Hills attracts thousands of visitors, and that means additional demand for wireless service, even though it may be for just a few days," said Roger Tang -- president, Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless. "Our COW enables us to meet that temporary increase in call volume and to provide customers with high quality service."

The ability to meet call volume demand, even on a temporary basis, is part of the company's commitment to stay ahead of the growing need for Verizon Wireless' voice and data services.

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 nationwide premier network and to add new services. In the first half of this year, the company invested more than $160 million in its Ohio network.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 86.6 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 86,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit 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.

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Laura Merritt of Verizon Wireless, [phone],
[e-mail]; or Heather Pharo, [phone],
[e-mail], for Verizon Wireless

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/