MATTOON, Ill., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless has activated a new cell site in Mattoon that expands network coverage, enabling more customers in the area to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

The new cell site, which is equipped with a permanent backup generator for times of emergency, expands Verizon Wireless' voice and data network in Mattoon from County Road 400 North in the north to the Cumberland County line in the south, and from the Shelby County line in the west to County Road 1000 East in the east.

"This network expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to meet the growing needs of our customers and to provide them with the reliable, high-quality service they expect from Verizon Wireless," said T.J. Fox, president-Illinois/Wisconsin Region, Verizon Wireless.

"The value we offer our customers is closely tied to our industry-leading customer retention," Fox said. "Wireless consumers today understand that value is not defined by price alone. A major reason our customers choose Verizon Wireless and stay with us is because we offer the nation's most reliable network."

The new cell site in Mattoon is part of Verizon Wireless' continual effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Illinois and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $50 billion since it was formed--$5.5 billion on average every year--to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. Since the company was formed in 2000, Verizon Wireless has invested $1.2 billion on improvements to its network in Illinois.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving 89 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit 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.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless