Verizon Wireless customers have more flexibility now

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- In yet another step aimed at
offering American consumers the "most customer friendly" experience in the
wireless industry, Verizon Wireless today announced that it will provide all of
its customers the ability to change calling plans without requiring contract
extensions.

Starting October 7, new and existing customers will have the option to change
their voice and data calling plans -- selecting current plans with different
minute allowances or text messaging and data use options -- without changing the
end date of their contract. The policy will become part of the company's
industry leading customer promise, the Verizon Wireless Worry Free
Guarantee(R).

"Verizon Wireless once again demonstrates that our number one priority is
delivering the most customer-friendly wireless experience in the U.S.
marketplace. Our commitment to our customers is why we lead the industry in
customer loyalty and why more customers use the Verizon Wireless brand than any
other," said Jack Plating, executive vice president and chief operating officer
of Verizon Wireless.

The Worry Free Guarantee will also now include the company's Test Drive
offer, which allows new customers to experience the Verizon Wireless network for
30 days virtually risk-free. In addition, the company today announces the My
Account Advantage, formerly part of the Worry Free Guarantee, which offers
additional benefits for online customers.

Verizon Wireless has long set the bar in the wireless industry for
customer-friendly policies. The company is the only major wireless carrier to
offer a declining early termination fee versus the rest of the industry's
standard of charging a flat fee if a customer chooses to end a contract before
its term expires. In addition, Verizon Wireless parted with the industry by
refusing to participate in a wireless directory when customers said they didn't
want one, effectively halting that project. The company also broke from other
wireless companies to support local number portability because customers wanted
the freedom to take their numbers with them if they switched service
providers.

Verizon Wireless introduced its industry-leading Worry Free Guarantee in 2001
with the promises of the nation's most reliable wireless network, a free phone
every two years with a two-year renewal, and more.

The Worry Free Guarantee states:
-- You'll enjoy America's best, most reliable wireless network.
-- You can change your calling plan at any time. As your needs change,
you can change to any current calling plan. You won't pay any
additional fees and you won't have to extend your contract.
-- If you ever have a problem, it becomes our problem the first time you
call. No run-around, no hassles. If your issue can't be resolved
during the course of your first call, we'll get back to you with an
answer.
-- Your satisfaction is guaranteed with our Test Drive program. Now you
can Test Drive our network; make calls and even try out a cool new
device. Every device you purchase from Verizon Wireless comes with a
30-day satisfaction guarantee. And if you don't love us, take your
number to someone else within 30 days. You won't have to pay an early
termination fee, and we'll pay for any calls you've made.
-- You can get a free phone every two years with New Every Two. Sign up
for a calling plan of at least $34.99 and qualify for a free phone
after two years, with a two-year renewal. Or choose to apply your New
Every Two credit towards the purchase of a more expensive phone.

In addition to the Worry Free Guarantee, Verizon Wireless also offers
additional benefits to customers who register for the company's My Account
online account management site. My Account customers can enjoy the following
under Verizon Wireless' new "My Account Advantage." The My Account Advantage
tells customers:

-- You'll receive free Backup Assistant so you never have to worry about
losing your phone's contact list. As a My Account member, Backup
Assistant(SM) will let you automatically retain a copy of your saved
phone numbers to a secure website, so they're available if you lose or
upgrade your phone.
-- You can get a new phone every year with Annual Upgrade. Sign up for a
two-year agreement on a calling plan of at least $49.99 and you can
purchase a new phone at its promotional price through My Account every
year with a two-year renewal (upgrade fee may apply).
-- If you're using more minutes than your calling plan includes, we'll let
you know with Minute Check. Minute check will periodically notify you
through My Account if you are exceeding your plan allowance and let you
know of other calling plan options that may save you money.

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, go to
www.verizonwireless.com, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or visit a Verizon Wireless
Communications Store.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data
network, serving 62.1 million customers. The largest U.S. wireless company and
largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is
headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 67,000 employees nationwide. The
company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone . 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.