SANTA CLAUS, Ind., May 12, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- To stay ahead of its growing customer base and demand for its voice and data services, Verizon Wireless has activated a new cell site in Santa Claus, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones to make calls, send and receive text and picture messages, and download games and ringtones.
The new cell site improves the company's network coverage in the following areas:
-- In the town of Santa Claus;
-- At Holiday World theme park;
-- In the Christmas Lake area;
-- In the town of Lamar;
-- Along State Road 245 between Santa Claus and
State Road 70;
-- Along State Road 162 between Santa Claus and Lincoln City.
"Gone are the days when people relied on their wireless devices only to make calls while in the car," said Greg Haller, President, Indiana/Kentucky/Michigan Region, Verizon Wireless. "Now they also use their phones as digital cameras, entertainment devices, portable computers and even navigation systems. To ensure our customers can use their wireless devices whenever and however they want, we'll continue to invest in our network, which is already the most reliable in the nation."
This new cell site is part of Verizon Wireless' continuous effort to increase coverage and augment the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Indiana and across the country. Verizon Wireless has invested $30 billion in the last six years -- $5 billion on average every year since the company was formed -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. The company has invested nearly $400 million over the past four years in its Indiana network.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 51.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE:VOD) (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.