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Verizon Wireless Expands Express Network Coverage with Nortel Networks



DALLAS, Mar 27, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless service provider, is currently deploying CDMA2000 1X wireless voice and data network infrastructure equipment from Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT)(TSE:NT) in Georgia and Alabama markets recently acquired from Price Communications.

The network improvements will significantly increase the capacity of Verizon Wireless' network and support delivery of next generation wireless data services to subscribers - including text messaging, 'Get It Now' games and entertainment solutions and Express Network, the carrier's premier wireless internet access service. Express Network is available to customers coast to coast in more than 900 cities throughout the U.S. and enhances interactive wireless data communications - from email to intranet to full Internet access.

Verizon Wireless Express Network makes it practical for mobile users to access the Internet, their corporate intranet and email on a wireless high-speed service that offers speeds comparable to dial-up service. The high-speed, data network supports enterprise applications, giving companies with mobile workforce access to tools for increased productivity and efficiency. Additionally, Verizon Wireless' voice and data customers benefit from access to the nation's largest wireless network.

"The deployment of CDMA technology in our newly acquired markets will allow us to meet the demands of our rapidly growing subscriber base in the southeast," said Jim McGean, president, Verizon Wireless Georgia/Alabama region. "Both our business and consumer customers can immediately benefit from clearer calls, enhanced features such as text messaging, and access to cutting-edge data services that improve communication and productivity."

Nortel Networks CDMA2000 technology is designed to drive reduced cost of ownership due to re-use of network elements and enable Verizon Wireless to improve voice quality and increase radio base station capacity to support a greater volume of voice and data traffic.

The deployment includes Nortel Networks Univity CDMA2000 1X Metro Cell radio base station equipment, mobile switches and related infrastructure for expansion of Verizon Wireless' wireless data network.

"Nortel Networks is committed to helping wireless operators drive down operating costs and improve network efficiencies. Our CDMA technology provides investment protection for operators based on our expertise in packet networking in the core, and our proven radio access solutions," said Steve Slattery, president and general manager, CDMA/TDMA Wireless Networks, Nortel Networks. "We have a long-standing relationship with Verizon Wireless and have been able to deliver the capability to increase voice capacity and deploy advanced wireless data services."

Nortel Networks has been providing wireless equipment to Verizon Wireless and its predecessor companies since September 1996.

Nortel Networks is implementing CDMA for leading service providers around the world. Nortel Networks has designed, installed and launched CDMA networks across five continents with more than 65 operators in 17 countries, and has deployed more than 35,000 3G-ready base stations.

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 31.5 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE:VOD)(LSE:VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.

Nortel Networks is an industry leader and innovator focused on transforming how the world communicates and exchanges information. The company is supplying its service provider and enterprise customers with communications technology and infrastructure to enable value-added IP data, voice and multimedia services spanning Metro and Enterprise Networks, Wireless Networks and Optical Networks. As a global company, Nortel Networks does business in more than 150 countries. More information about Nortel Networks can be found on the Web at www.nortelnetworks.com.

Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the severity and duration of the industry adjustment; the sufficiency of our restructuring activities, including the potential for higher actual costs to be incurred in connection with restructuring actions compared to the estimated costs of such actions; fluctuations in operating results and general industry, economic and market conditions and growth rates; the ability to recruit and retain qualified employees; fluctuations in cash flow, the level of outstanding debt and debt ratings; the ability to meet financial covenants contained in our credit agreements; the ability to make acquisitions and/or integrate the operations and technologies of acquired businesses in an effective manner; the impact of rapid technological and market change; the impact of price and product competition; international growth and global economic conditions, particularly in emerging markets and including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of rationalization in the telecommunications industry; the dependence on new product development; the uncertainties of the Internet; the impact of the credit risks of our customers and the impact of increased provision of customer financing and commitments; stock market volatility; the entrance into an increased number of supply, turnkey, and outsourcing contracts which contain delivery, installation, and performance provisions, which, if not met, could result in the payment of substantial penalties or liquidated damages; the ability to obtain timely, adequate and reasonably priced component parts from suppliers and internal manufacturing capacity; the future success of our strategic alliances; and the adverse resolution of litigation. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, see the reports filed by Nortel Networks with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Nortel Networks disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Nortel Networks, the Nortel Networks logo, the Globemark and Univity are trademarks of Nortel Networks.
CONTACT: Nortel Networks
Jamie Moody, 972/684-7167
[e-mail]
or
Verizon Wireless
Sheryl Sellaway, 678/339-5564
[e-mail]

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KEYWORD: TEXAS GEORGIA ALABAMA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
SOFTWARE
NETWORKING
HARDWARE
MARKETING
AGREEMENTS
SOURCE:
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