Vodafone Share News (VOD)

- Improves coverage and capacity in Carthage - Provides access to 3G wireless broadband service WATERTOWN, N.Y., July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless is investing in Lewis County and expanding its local coverage with a new cell site in Carthage. The new site improves coverage and capacity in Denmark and Deer River, including portions of Routes 12, 26, 410 and 126. This network expansion is part of the company's aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless' voice and data services. The company has invested more than $50 billion nationwide since it was formed -- $5.5 billion on average every year -- and invested more than $100 million in Upstate New York in 2009. "We've always believed even the most advanced device is only as good as the network it runs on. We continue to aggressively invest in our Upstate New York network to increase coverage and capacity for our customers, add new services, and maintain our 3G network leadership," said Gene Fassett, executive director of Network for Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region. Verizon Wireless recently earned recognition from J.D. Power and Associates for "Highest Call Quality Performance among Wireless Cell Phone Users in the Northeast." Services include wireless data services such as picture messaging, text messaging, V CAST and V CAST Music with Rhapsody, and MobileBroadband, the company's high-speed wireless broadband network geared toward mobile professionals and business customers. It provides average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second, and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps. Strong demand for Verizon Wireless' services continued during the first quarter of 2010 as the company added 1.5 million net new customers. The company's "nation's most reliable wireless network" reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and women throughout the country. These engineers drive nearly 100 specially equipped vehicles more than 1 million miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets. Test vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 3 million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers. For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving nearly 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 81,000 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: John O'Malley , +1-585-321-7264, or +1-585-261-5899, john.omalley@verizonwireless.com, http://twitter.com/johnnyverizon, or Meredith Dropkin, +1-315-413-4293, mdropkin@mower.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 09, 2010 10:48 ET (14:48 GMT)