IRVINE, Calif., April 21, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- As part of a new initiative aimed directly at serving the needs of its expanding Latino customer base in the United States, Verizon Wireless today announced a new, high-value promotional offer for calls from the Western U.S. to Mexico -- 10 cents a minute from a customer's local calling area with a monthly service charge of $2.99 a month on a one- or two-year service agreement.
The new service option is available immediately for new customers. With Verizon Wireless' Worry Free Guarantee, existing customers also can take advantage of the offer, by renewing or extending their current contracts, just in time for one of the heaviest calling periods of the year -- Mother's Day, May 11.
The promotional rate will go into effect for existing customers in Greater Los Angeles who choose the offer on May 6. The offer ends July 31.
"We're pleased to make it even easier to stay in touch with family and friends in Mexico from the 12 Western states. It is just another way we are working aggressively to meet the needs of our diverse customer base," said Verizon Wireless' Marni Walden, president of the company's Southern California Region.
In addition to the new, more affordable rates, Verizon Wireless products and services targeted specifically to Latinos include the following:
-- Get It Now(SM) Latin ring tones - Modtones under "Latin Garage."
-- Spanish-language Web site: www.verizonwireless.com/espanol.
-- Spanish directory assistance (411) in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Southeast Wyoming, and Portland, Oregon; and soon in Salt Lake City, Utah; and Seattle and Yakima, Washington.
-- Voice mail in Spanish.
-- Expanded roaming areas throughout Mexico.
The company's Latino initiatives also include sponsorships like the Onda Futbolera de Verizon Wireless celebration that was held in conjunction with the World Cup 2002 last year, which benefited youth soccer leagues in 25 cities. On an ongoing basis, the Latino community participates in the Verizon Wireless HopeLine(SM) program, which collects and recycles used phones to benefit victims of domestic violence.
"With an already strong and growing Latino customer base, we continue to develop and create programs that enhance and reinforce our leading position in this market segment," said Walden. "We are committed to ongoing efforts to make our products and services easily accessible and relevant for this sizable segment of our population."
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 32.5 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, 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.