Verizon Wireless Continues to Support Wireless Safety Week

 CEO Denny Strigl Reaffirms Commitment to Promoting the Reponsible In-Vehicle
                            Use of Wireless Phones

    CHICAGO, May 21 "As the nation's largest wireless carrier
we think it is important for Americans, especially our customers, to know that
we have long taken a leadership position on the responsible use of in-vehicle
wireless phones.  Wireless phones are one of the most important safety tools
ever introduced and encouraging drivers to use them with hands-free devices is
a core goal for our business," said Denny Strigl, president and CEO of Verizon
Wireless.  The company's mission is to put its strength behind enhancing the
affordability and awareness of hands-free technologies to make using wireless
phones while driving easier and ultimately safer.  Its "Drive responsibly.
Call with care." public awareness campaign reaches out to consumers through
promotional and educative efforts.

    More than 100 million Americans -- more than 27 million of whom are
Verizon Wireless customers -- have wireless service and 85 percent of those
use their wireless handsets while driving.  The ability to instantly connect
with emergency services and law enforcement organizations is critical, but
having a wireless phone in the car comes with responsibilities.

    "At Verizon Wireless we consider our public awareness program on driving
responsibly a top priority," said Denny Strigl, president and CEO of Verizon
Wireless.  "While we reach out all year long on the issue of responsible
driving, it's especially important to focus on it this week as Americans begin
their summer driving journeys."

    The company's commitment extends to the handsets and accessories it offers
to its customers.  Verizon Wireless has required its handset manufacturers to
provide hands-free, voice-activated compatibility for handsets by 2002.  And
in its more than 1,200 Communications Stores, the company sells affordably
priced hands-free devices.

    Verizon Wireless has and will continue to take an industry leadership
position by supporting statewide legislation requiring drivers to use hands-
free devices while talking on their wireless phones.  In states where there is
both a public and political will to enact such legislation, Verizon Wireless
will support legislation that provides time for the public to adopt hands-free
technologies.  In one years' time Verizon Wireless has testified before more
than 30 state legislative organizations on this issue.

    Since 1995, the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA)
has sponsored National Wireless Safety Week to remind wireless phone customers
that safety is their most important call and to provide information consumers
need to use their wireless phone responsibly.  As the CTIA's largest member,
Verizon Wireless supports Wireless Safety Week-- May 21 - 28, 2001.