Verizon Wireless invests$47 million in its network across Oklahoma in 2011

More than $340 million invested since 2005

The roll-out of Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network in three additional Oklahoma markets was part of a $47 million network investment by the wireless carrier in2011.  The company’s consistent network investment helps ensure that customers are receiving the most advanced wireless communication technologies statewide.

Customers in four of Oklahoma’s largest cities- Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Bartlesville and Lawton- are now equipped with the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network.  The company launched 4G LTE in Oklahoma City on December 5, 2010, as part of its initial nation-wide roll-out.

Verizon Wireless will continue to expand its 4G LTE network and further reinforce its 3G network, the nation’s largest and most reliable, across Oklahoma in 2012.

“We are continuously investing and expanding our network throughout Oklahoma,” said Dean Taylor, president of the South Central Region for Verizon Wireless. “Whether we’re keeping friends connected, or supporting first responders as we did during the wildfires in Southwest Oklahoma last year, we’re delivering a wireless network Oklahomans can depend on.”

Verizon Wireless’ network investment in Oklahoma during2011 also included:

• Deployment of a mobile cell site on wheels (C.O.W.),which provided additional capacity during the 2011 wildfires in Cherokee County, Oklahoma.  C.OW.s are often used in cases of emergencies, or for the many large special events, sports championships, festivals and other large gatherings in Oklahoma that attract larger numbers of visitors each year.

• Activation of 12 new transmission sites, in addition to software and hardware upgrades to hundreds of existing locations, to add capacity to 4G LTE and 3G network coverage throughout the state.

• Deployment of systems performance engineers to daily test the reliability and quality of the Verizon Wireless network in addition to other carriers. Using sophisticated testing equipment, the local test teams conducted numerous voice call attempts and extremely detailed data tests to ensure network superiority.

• An additional investment in the antenna system that boosts service in Chesapeake Arena during Thunder games and other large events.

“As Oklahomans learn about the speed and opportunities 4GLTE offers, even more customers will want that experience,” said Leo Perreault,executive director of Network for Verizon Wireless in the South Central Region.  “The foundation for that experience is a solid network, and that’s what we’re delivering.”

Since 2005, the company has invested more than $340 million in Oklahoma to expand and enhance network coverage and services. Nationally, Verizon Wireless invests an average of $6 billion annually to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nation-wide networks and to add new services.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 108 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit 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.