URBANA, Ohio, May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, the wireless company with the highest customer loyalty, has activated a new cell site in Champaign County that improves its network coverage in the city of Urbana.

With the improved network coverage, more customers can use their wireless phones to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; download music, games and ringtones; and view high-quality videos while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

"Network reliability is the No. 1 reason that customers choose and stay with Verizon Wireless," said Roger Tang, president-Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless. "Getting through on the first try and maintaining a connection are important to our customers. We continue to optimize our network so that it remains the most reliable in the nation."

This new cell site is part of Verizon Wireless' continual effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Ohio and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $45 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. Last year, the company invested nearly $190 million in its Ohio network improvements.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 67.2 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: 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.