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Wireless Leader Supports the Code as a Baseline for Pro-Consumer Practices BASKING RIDGE, N.J., July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless today threw its wholehearted endorsement behind the updated CTIA Consumer Code for Wireless Service. Dan Mead, chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless, said, "It's important for American consumers to have trust in their interactions with their wireless company, and Verizon Wireless works day in and day out to exceed those expectations." The updated CTIA Code includes new provisions covering messaging, multimedia and data services for both prepaid and postpaid wireless customers. Mead added, "Treating customers right is just a start. To win loyalty, Verizon Wireless goes the extra mile -- advocating for positive public policies that favor consumer choice and strengthening customer privacy." Today, Verizon Wireless complies with and exceeds CTIA's Consumer Code for Wireless Service, including offering the following to customers: -- Detailed coverage maps at www.verizonwireless.com, including address-level maps for voice and data services and coverage for additional specific features and services -- An extension of the Code's 14-day trial period for service with its 30-day Worry Free Guarantee(R) -- Extended business hours for customer service and 24-hour technical support assistance for general inquiries, reporting of lost or stolen devices, and basic troubleshooting -- 24-hour customer access to personal account and service information through My Verizon with self-management options for billing, calling plan and equipment changes, upgrading service, devices and adding features, and managing Friends & Family(R) and Usage Controls In the 10 years since it was formed, Verizon Wireless has been the industry leader in creating a great experience and environment for wireless consumers. In 2006, the company became the first major U.S. wireless company to commit to a national policy to pro-rate Early Termination Fees (ETFs), which progressively reduces the amount customers have to pay if they terminate their contracts before their committed terms expire. Earlier, Verizon Wireless broke with the wireless industry to support wireless local number portability (LNP), recognizing that it should be easy for customers to choose among wireless companies while keeping their phone numbers. Verizon Wireless also has a long-standing policy of guarding personal customer information that puts it at the forefront of the U.S. wireless industry. In 2004, Verizon Wireless broke from the wireless industry by becoming the first to announce it would protect customer privacy by refusing to participate in a national wireless phone directory. Verizon Wireless has brought nearly 20 lawsuits against wireless spammers, telemarketers and pretexters, winning permanent injunctions against individuals and companies that have engaged in illegal telemarketing and text message spamming to Verizon Wireless customers and against those who have attempted to obtain information about Verizon Wireless customers to sell to third parties. Verizon Wireless has donated more than $100,000 to domestic violence prevention, law enforcement, and other non-profit organizations as a result of these settlements. About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 92 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 79,000 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. SOURCE Verizon Wireless /CONTACT: Jeffrey Nelson, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7519, Jeffrey.Nelson@verizonwireless.com /Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com Order free Annual Report for Vodafone Group PLC Visit http://djnweurope.ar.wilink.com/?ticker=GB00B16GWD56 or call +44 (0)208 391 6028 (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 28, 2010 09:11 ET (13:11 GMT)