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Verizon: A New Name in Wireless

Joint venture to offer 144-kbps service, two-way messaging, no roaming charges on calls.

By Tim Greene, NetworkWorld   

As part of its improvements, the company plans in June to test out a 144-kilobits-per-second data service, a speed comparable to ISDN services.

In addition, Verizon Wireless will roll out a nationwide, two-way service in which customers can send and receive short text messages via properly equipped mobile phones.

Via Verizon Wireless' code division multiple-access network, customers with Web-enabled digital wireless phones that have built-in wireless modems will be able to reach the Internet, send and receive e-mail, get stock quotes, and set up customized Web pages.

Verizon Wireless also has a cellular digital packet data network that supports data speeds up to 19.2 kbps and is delivered through laptops, handheld personal digital assistants, and Windows CE devices.

In addition, the company has started a flat-rate, nationwide calling plan for mobile phones that features no roaming charges. The plans are: 150 minutes for $35; 400 minutes for $55; 600 minutes for $75; 1000 minutes for $100; and 1500 minutes for $150.

Later this year, when Bell Atlantic's merger with GTE is completed, GTE's U.S. wireless business will be added to Verizon's. Bell Atlantic claims that the addition will make it the largest U.S. wireless company.

Its geographic coverage of the 90 largest U.S. cities gives the service provider the potential to reach 232 million people, the company says. Verizon Wireless will have 24 million wireless customers and about 4 million paging customers.

The name Verizon, pronounced like "horizon," will be adopted as the overall company name by Bell Atlantic and GTE after they merge.

Bell Atlantic and Vodafone AirTouch have been combining their networks and businesses for the past six months. The combined company will save money through reduced roaming costs paid to other carriers and increased economies of scale in transport, billing, handset purchases, and advertising.

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