Verizon Wireless Expands Its High-Speed Wireless Broadband Network In Central And Eastern Iowa

Integration of Verizon Wireless’ and Alltel’s Networks Expands Customer Access to 3G Wireless Network Coverage.

DES MOINES, IOWA — Verizon Wireless announced it has completed the integration of its network with that of Alltel in parts of Central and Eastern Iowa, providing residents and travelers along major Interstates with increased wireless broadband speeds. The network upgrade offers Verizon Wireless customers access to wireless Internet, e-mail, mobile music, videos and more from their phones and laptops at speeds ten to fifteen times faster then the company’s previous data network.

The expansion improves voice and data coverage for community residents and commuters in the cities along the following major roadways:

•Interstate 80 between Des Moines and Iowa City including Grinnell, Newton and Williamsburg
•Interstate 380 between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids including Brandon
•U.S. Highway 20 between Waterloo and Dubuque including Jesup, Independence, Manchester and Dyersville.
The high-speed wireless network expansion also covers the following communities: Prairie City, Monroe, Pella, Oskaloosa, Eddyville, New Sharon, Montezuma, Delta, Sigourney, Crawfordsville, Washington, Ottumwa, Albia, Eldon, Knoxville, Fairfield, Centerville, Bloomfield, Keosauqua, Bonaparte and Farmington.

Verizon Wireless’ voice and high-speed 3G data network combined with that of Alltel creates the largest wireless network footprint in the United States. Verizon Wireless first launched 3G network service in Iowa on October 1, 2006 in Council Bluffs, and has continued to expand its high-speed network coverage in the state.

“The addition of Alltel’s network to the Verizon Wireless network provides our customers with unmatched high-speed wireless coverage throughout Iowa,” said Nancy Clark, president–Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. “Our 3G network gives our customers three key advantages in wireless communication—speed, mobility and security. We are continually improving our network so Iowans know they can rely on our service.”

Verizon Wireless has been preparing to integrate Alltel’s network since completing its purchase of the company 10 months ago. Alltel’s 3G data network has been upgraded to the latest revision of wireless broadband technology, known as EV-DO Revision A, to enable faster delivery of data applications, including email and browsing the Internet.

Verizon Wireless invests more in its network than any other wireless service provider in the United States. The company has spent more than $50 billion since it was formed—$5.5 billion on average every year—to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. From 2001 through the first six months of this year, the company has invested nearly $240 million in its Iowa network.