Wireless Broadband Network Launched in Panama City, Florida

PANAMA CITY, Fla., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless has launched its high-speed BroadbandAccess network in Panama City as part of a multi- million Dollar local investment to provide the Emerald Coast area with the most advanced wireless services and technology.

This broadband network allows customers to utilize the latest high-speed productivity and entertainment applications and services on their wireless phones, laptop computers and other wireless devices. The wireless broadband experience is made possible by the Verizon Wireless Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) technology, with typical connection speeds of 400-700 kilobits per second (kbps).

The network expansion -- which entailed installing high-tech wireless hardware and software in dozens of wireless transmission sites -- is part of a national rollout and a network investment that exceeds $1 billion in the state over the past six years.

With the launch in Panama City, an added 300 square miles of coverage and 120,000 residents in the area now have access to the Verizon Wireless broadband service. The technology also is available in Tallahassee and other major markets in the state.

"Panama City is growing so quickly with many tech-savvy businesses and consumers here, and it also is a key location for travelers along the Florida Panhandle and Gulf Coast corridor," said Frank Wise, network director for Verizon Wireless Florida region. "We've invested heavily locally, in the Panhandle and across the state, to be able to provide customers the most advanced wireless services, such as BroadbandAccess and V CAST Music and video."

BroadbandAccess allows customers to connect wirelessly to the Internet, download e-mail and applications, and log into their corporate servers via their laptop at broadband speeds. The technology provides mobile workers full access, productivity and security, just as if they were at their desks and attached via a high-speed wired connection, but with the freedom of true mobility.

The Verizon Wireless V CAST service gives customers access to short video content, downloadable music, and cutting-edge 3D games on their mobile phones. With V CAST, customers can get short video content on demand, including current news, weather, sports and entertainment programming. And music lovers with a V CAST Music-enabled phone are able to download and play their favorite songs -- all while on-the-go.

Pricing and details

For a limited time, Verizon Wireless customers with an existing voice plan can receive unlimited BroadbandAccess service for $59.99 monthly access with a new two-year customer agreement.

To access V CAST video and games, customers need a V CAST-enabled handset and a $15.00 monthly subscription added to their Verizon Wireless calling plan.

Customers with a V CAST Music-enabled handset can pay as they go to download songs directly to their phone for $1.99 per song plus airtime, download songs to their PC for 99 cents, and transfer their existing compatible digital music collection to their V CAST Music-enabled handset or memory card at no charge from their PC. Purchases from the handset include two copies of every song, one for the handset and one for the PC. Currently, nearly 20 music capable handsets are available, including the popular Chocolate by LG and the Motorola RAZR V3m.

Test Man Ride-Along Program

The specially equipped Verizon Wireless test vehicles simultaneously test seven wireless providers, using a computerized program to generate phonically diverse "conversations" and data transmissions. Members of the media who are interested in setting up an interview or ride-along with a local member of the Verizon Wireless team of real-life test men and women, please contact Chuck Hamby at 813.615.4803 or via e-mail at chuck.hamby@verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 57 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 60,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://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 http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.