Verizon Wireless Ensures Wireless Users Can Keep Tabs on Runners During Boston Marathon(R)

[April 16, 2004]

Verizon Wireless Ensures Wireless Users Can Keep Tabs on Runners During Boston Marathon(R)

WOBURN, Mass., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Tracking Boston Marathon runners on race day has become even easier with the introduction of the Athlete Alert Program. Designed by Verizon Wireless, the official telecommunications sponsor of the Boston Marathon(R), the Athlete Alert Program allows Marathon participants to register friends, family members, colleagues and sponsors to receive automatic updates on their wireless phone of a runner's progress along the route.

Spectators interested in being 'alerted' to a runner's position to get ready to lift motivational signs, deliver beverages or wave hello can sign up for text alerts at http://www.baa.org/BostonMarathon and click on the ATHLETE ALERT tab on the right hand side toolbar. Sign up requires the competitor's bib number as well as the runner's birthday to register for text alerts. Once signed up, registered users will automatically receive brief text messages on their wireless phone as runners pass over the 10 kilometer, 13.1 mile (half way), 30 kilometer and the finish line. At approximately 3:00 p.m. on race day, a general alert will be sent to all registered users, announcing the winners of the race. Registration for the Athlete Alert Program needs to be completed prior to race day -- no later than April 18th.
Among race participants this year is Verizon Wireless New England Region President, Robert F. Stott, running his ninth Boston Marathon. "We invest over $1 billion into our national wireless network every 90 days. Athlete Alert is the kind of 'rubber meets the road' application which keeps people connected and makes our investment worthwhile. Our picture messaging service also delivers similar instant communication-just in a more visual way," said Mr. Stott.
For capturing your favorite runner crossing the finish line, Verizon Wireless' picture-messaging service, where available, allows customers to quickly and easily take photographs with a camera phone, add a message and voice recording, and then deliver wirelessly to friends, colleagues or an email address of their choice over the company's high-speed digital network. Picture Messaging costs 25 cents per message and bundle plans are available.
This year, Verizon Wireless is working with the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) and HP, the Marathon's official technology sponsor, to bring state-of-the-art technology to the world's oldest and most prestigious annual marathon. To accomplish remote tracking of runners, each race participant will attach a tiny computer chip to their shoes or wheelchairs. The chip will transmit runner location as they cross stationary sensor mats at regular checkpoints. Verizon Wireless' network will be used to wirelessly relay the real-time posting of runner position and time at each marker along the marathon route.
Verizon Wireless Spends $1 Billion Every 90 Days In It's Wireless Network
To prepare for increased usage during the marathon, Verizon Wireless' true life "Can You Hear Me Now?" test guys will test network coverage along the marathon race route and throughout Boston and metro west. On race day, the company's mobile "V-Team" will provide free wireless phone service for runners, visitors and race fans.
Verizon Wireless' investment in its network is a large part of the company's commitment to offer customers the most reliable service. To consistently prove reliability, the company employs engineers to conduct network studies that are performed by real-life test men and test women, who are the inspiration behind the company's national advertising campaign. These engineers conduct more than 300,000 call attempts monthly on Verizon Wireless' and other national wireless carriers' networks, while traveling over 100,000 miles nationwide in specially-equipped, company-owned quality test vehicles.
Verizon Wireless will also participate in the annual Boston Marathon Sports and Fitness Expo at the World Trade Center Boston on April 17-18, 2004 from 9:00 - 6:00 p.m.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 37.5 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/.
Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: J. Abra Degbor, +1-781-481-1314, or Wendy Bulawa,+1-617-851-3426 both of Verizon Wireless

Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/

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