Del Norte, Humboldt, Siskiyou and Trinity County Residents Now Part of the ``IN'' Crowd -- Former Cal North Customers Now Use Verizon Wireless' Network.

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- Wireless calls from former Cal North Wireless customers are now riding on the nation's most reliable wireless network. Less than six months after its purchase of Cal-One Cellular LP, Verizon Wireless has completed the conversion of the network and billing system that had served customers under the Cal North Wireless brand.

Verizon Wireless' network footprint now includes Del Norte, Humboldt, Siskiyou and Trinity Counties in Northern California. With an America's Choice calling plan, former Cal North Wireless customers can join more than 50 million customers who are part of Verizon Wireless' nation wide IN Calling network. Wireless data capabilities will be installed in the area by year-end 2006.

"Now customers who live or travel in the most northern part of the state can enjoy the benefits of Verizon Wireless' network," said Rich Garwood, president-Northern California/Nevada region, Verizon Wireless. "We're excited about delivering a great customer experience and becoming part of the community."

Verizon Wireless has invested $30 billion -- on average $5 billion a year -- since the company was formed six years ago to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and add new capabilities. Verizon Wireless has invested $3.7 billion in its network in California since the year 2000 when the company was formed. In 2005 alone, the company's network investment in California exceeded $740 million.

The company's 'most reliable wireless network' claim is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country who inspired the "Can you hear me now? Good(R)" national advertising campaign. These engineers conduct more than 750,000 voice call attempts and 1.4 million data tests quarterly on Verizon Wireless' and other national carriers' networks while traveling over 225,000 miles in specially equipped, company-owned test vehicles.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in setting up an interview or ride-along test drive with your local Verizon Wireless test man or woman, please contact Heidi Flato at 925-279-6545 or [e-mail].

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, 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. 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.