US : Imagine the future of wireless: crystal clear video on-demand, live-action 3-D games, news, sports, entertainment, music videos and much more in the palm of your hand. Verizon Wireless delivered the future of wireless today from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas when senior Verizon Wireless executives announced the company is launching VCAST – the nation’s first third-generation (3G) wireless multimedia service for consumers – beginning February 1, 2005.

VCAST will bring high-quality video, 3-D games and music straight to new 3G phones that will run on the Verizon Wireless broadband EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) 3G network, delivering the fastest, most widely-available fully-mobile wireless data experience in the nation today.

“3G is here – we are delivering true 3G services to our customers; this is not a plan for services on the horizon, this is about now,” said Denny Strigl, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless.

Starting February 1, Verizon Wireless customers will be able to use new handsets to access VCAST’s video on-demand service, viewing current news, weather, sports and entertainment programming. They will also be able to download and play cutting-edge three-dimensional games on powerful new handsets. Customers will also be able to watch music videos and short programs specifically designed for mobile phones and other video applications on their handsets.

“With the launch of VCAST, Verizon Wireless is building on its reputation for providing the most reliable and exciting wireless experience in the U.S. VCAST establishes the gold standard for consumer wireless multimedia services,” continued Strigl. “This multi-functional service is so entertaining and informative, so timely and cutting edge, that it gives our customers another dimension to their wireless service.”

When the service is available on February 1, customers can expect video and games from a variety of familiar and popular sources, such as MTV Networks’ VH1 and Comedy Central brands. A relationship with News Corp. and 20th Century Fox will bring Verizon Wireless customers hot exclusive programs – “24: Conspiracy,” “Sunset Hotel” and “Love & Hate” – specifically designed for mobile phones. A broad offering of content will also be available from NBC, including newscasts made exclusively for mobile phones.

VCAST will be accessed through the award-winning Get It Now® virtual store found on Verizon Wireless handsets.

“With VCAST, we have put together a comprehensive package of multimedia services for consumers that will be immediately available at launch,” said John Stratton, Verizon Wireless vice president and chief marketing officer. “This robust offering in the marketplace will take wireless to a new level, offering Verizon Wireless customers a wealth of news, sports and entertainment programming in the palm of their hands at an affordable price.”

EV-DO 3G Network Expansion
VCAST runs on the Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO network, which began commercial operation in October 2003 in San Diego and Washington, D.C. The Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO network initially launched commercially with BroadbandAccess wireless Internet access service for business customers and mobile professionals. BroadbandAccess boasts average user speeds of 300-500 kilobits per second (kbps), and enables users to remain productive and connected whether they’re at home, a meeting across town or on the road. BroadbandAccess customers can connect via laptop to the Internet, corporate intranet, email and attachments all at high speed.

“When we announced the rollout plans for the Verizon Wireless 3G network one year ago at last year’s Consumer Electronics Show, we said we would deploy the technology in areas covering 75 million people, or one-third of our network, in the United States by the end of 2004. Promise made, promise kept,” said Dick Lynch, Verizon Wireless executive vice president and chief technical officer, in announcing new metropolitan areas to the 3G network coverage area.

In addition to 20 previously launched metropolitan areas, the company today announced 12 additional markets: Chicago; Houston; Boston; Phoenix; Cincinnati; Orlando; Columbus and Dayton, OH; Providence, RI; Jacksonville, FL; Hartford and New Haven, CT. Major expansions have been made in many existing 3G markets, including New York City; Newark, NJ; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Atlanta; Miami, Tampa and West Palm Beach, FL; Baltimore, MD; Kansas City, MO; and Milwaukee, WI areas.