BEDMINSTER, N.J. -- Already this year, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $1 billion in the first quarter to install new cell sites, grow the network's capacity and engineer countless other service improvements to further strengthen the nation's largest and most reliable wireless network. This investment, separate from investments announced earlier this year for new broadband wireless services, allows Verizon Wireless to continually upgrade its network for its growing number of wireless customers.

Every year since its launch, Verizon Wireless has invested more than any other U.S. wireless provider - more than $4 billion annually - to maintain and expand its high-quality network nationwide. Verizon Wireless again led the industry in network investments last year, dedicating more money than any other wireless service provider to network enhancements.

Verizon Wireless' network completes and maintains more customer calls in more places than any other U.S. carrier. Verizon Wireless serves some 39 million customers, operating more than 150 switching facilities and 20,500 cell sites.

"Verizon Wireless' unwavering commitment to network enhancements is at the core of the product we have to offer to customers - which is a satisfying wireless experience," said Denny Strigl, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless. "While some wireless service providers are scaling back spending on networks, Verizon Wireless is demonstrating our commitment to continually improve our voice and data services by putting our money where our network is, all across the country."

Since its inception, Verizon Wireless has dedicated significant financial and human resources to improve its network. The company deploys a fleet of 50 test vehicles managed by Verizon Wireless engineers who each drive more than 100,000 miles per year continuously testing the network and identifying areas for improvement. These engineers are the real-life test men and women who inspired the company's national television advertising campaign, "Can you hear me now? Good.®"

The company's unique test vehicle fleet is equipped with computers that each automatically make more than 300,000 call attempts monthly on the Verizon Wireless network and the networks of other carriers, ensuring that the Verizon Wireless network continues to meet the company's own high standards for all quality.

The Verizon Wireless network is built for reliability in emergencies - like power blackouts and storms - with redundancies in place to maintain services for customers when they need it most.

Over the years, Verizon Wireless has been recognized for its network leadership. One recent example, an April 2004 survey by Strategy Analytics found that, "Verizon Wireless is the market leader for 'user satisfaction,' and beats all its competitors as the destination of choice for 30 percent of users who may churn."

Verizon Wireless