05/22/2007 BASKING RIDGE, NJ ? With hurricane season about to begin, Verizon Wireless, the leading wireless company with the most reliable wireless voice and data network, has launched its online Emergency Information Centers ? one for consumers, one for news media. The consumer site offers tips, network information and customer service contact information, and is available on the Verizon Wireless Web site, under About Us at news.vzw.com/criticalevents/index.html. The news media site, which offers up-to-date information on the element of wireless communications in breaking news of hurricanes and other natural disasters or public emergencies, can be found at news.vzw.com/.
Journalists who go to the news media site will find:
- Preparation Tips ? A list of helpful tips on how wireless users can prepare an emergency communications plan as well as advice on how to stay connected when disaster strikes
- Wireless Network Preparations in Hurricane Prone Areas ? Information about Verizon Wireless' year-round network investments to ready its network, results of network tests conducted during the previous hurricane seasons and Wireless Emergency Communications Centers
- Customer Testimonials ? In their own words, customers talk about the importance of reliable wireless service in times of emergency
- Contact Information ? Phone numbers to reach Verizon Wireless spokespersons around the country 24x7
Both the consumer and media sites will be updated regularly throughout the year.
The Verizon Wireless network is built for reliability in emergencies, with battery back-up power at all facilities and for additional reliability, generators installed at all switching facilities, and many cell site locations. The company also owns a fleet of portable generators that can be deployed to provide emergency power during extended power outages to those cell sites without permanent generators.*
Additional Verizon Wireless preparation for the 2007 hurricane season includes:
- Verizon Wireless has invested $37 billion in the last seven years ? $5 billion on average every year since the company was formed and more than $6 billion in 2006 ? to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. These improvements fortify Verizon Wireless' network to help ensure operations during circumstances such as the hurricane season.
- Verizon Wireless is fully prepared to again quickly set up Wireless Emergency Communication Centers* (WECCs) to serve residents and rescue agencies in the area(s) in the greatest need.
- The company has developed and practiced a comprehensive emergency response plan, including preparing emergency command centers in the case of a storm or crisis.
- Verizon Wireless has a new customer service center on wheels ready to roll. The 35-foot trailer will allow Verizon Wireless to maintain customer service operations in areas when company stores are not able to open or when wireless customer service is needed in areas where natural disaster strikes, enabling customers to receive service in person from Verizon Wireless personnel when and where they need it most. The mobile center debuted in May at the 21st Annual Florida Governor's Hurricane Conference in Ft. Lauderdale.
