CHARLESTON, S.C. –- Verizon Wireless announced today it is turning on the world's first large-scale 4G LTE (Fourth Generation, Long Term Evolution) Network in Charleston, S.C. on July 21, 2011. Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network is the fastest and most advanced 4G network in America.

The deployment of Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE in Charleston, S.C. provides LTE coverage throughout the surrounding areas of North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Riverland Terrace, Sullivan's Island, Ladson, Hanahan, Wildwood, Lincolnville, Isle of Palms and Hickory Hill Plantation.

4G LTE provides wireless consumers access to services up to 10 times faster than the company's industry-leading 3G network. With this latest progression of wireless technology, the company expects average data rates in real-world, loaded network environments to be 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.

These speeds will allow for smooth mobile video-conferencing, multiple simultaneous video streams, speedy transfer of large files, running of powerful programs, downloading of songs in seconds and movies in minutes, and numerous other applications to improve efficiency and productivity wirelessly.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE technology also will improve coverage strength inside buildings, as it runs on a powerful 700 megahertz wireless frequency.

"Verizon Wireless is making the best network even better," said Jerry Fountain, the president of the Carolinas/Tennessee Region for Verizon Wireless. "Our initial 4G LTE launch gives customers access to the fastest and most advanced mobile network in America. We will quickly expand 4G LTE, and by year-end 2013 we will cover the existing Verizon Wireless 3G coverage area. The activation of our lightning fast 4G LTE network in Charleston is further evidence of our commitment to and investment in the residents of this area."

4G LTE Mobile Broadband Data Plans and Devices

Consumers can choose from several devices to access the blazingly fast speeds of the 4G LTE network, including the newly-launched Revolution™ by LG, DROID Charge by Samsung and ThunderBolt™ by HTC smartphones, as well as the MiFi(r) 4510L 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot and Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot. Laptop users can enjoy speeds up to 10 times faster than the company's 3G network with three USB modems from Novatel, Pantech and LG.

When customers travel outside of a 4G coverage area, the devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless' 3G network is the most reliable network in the country, allowing customers with laptops and smartphones to download and use cool apps – from mobile social networking platforms to GPS-enabled maps – rapidly browse the Web to keep up with news, sports and stock quotes and stream must-see video and customized radio stations. Customers in 3G coverage areas today who purchase 4G devices will be able to take advantage of 4G speeds when the faster network becomes available in their areas.

Verizon Wireless' 700 MHz spectrum gives the company specific advantages with 4G, including improved in-building penetration and a contiguous, nationwide network footprint. The company is building its 4G LTE network with the same commitment to performance and reliability for which it has long been recognized. Verizon Wireless' laser focus on reliability is based on rigid engineering standards and a disciplined deployment approach year after year. Visit www.verizonwireless.com for more information on Verizon Wireless 3G and 4G LTE networks, products and services.

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**About Verizon Wireless
**Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit 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.

Media Contact:
Karen Schulz
Verizon Wireless
864.987.2006
Karen.Schulz@verizonwireless.com