BASKING RIDGE, N.J. (Map) - BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and ATLANTA, Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading wireless company with the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, and mobile banking and payments enabler Firethorn Holdings, LLC (www.firethornmobile.com), a Qualcomm company (Nasdaq: QCOM), announced today that customers of major financial institutions, including Wachovia, SunTrust, FirstBank, and BancorpSouth, now have access to their accounts in the palms of their hands.

With Verizon Wireless' mobile banking offering powered by Firethorn, customers can now access and manage their financial relationships while on-the-go for a seamless, real-time and secure user experience, including checking bank account balances, transferring funds between accounts within the same bank, and reviewing and paying bills for those bills already set up through the financial institution's online account service.

The Firethorn application is secure and utilizes both PIN and device lock- out capabilities, which are in addition to the security that is already incorporated by the financial institution. As another layer of security, customers will need to register with their financial institution's online banking service in order to use mobile banking.

Verizon senior vice president of consumer products

Jim Straight said, "After announcing our relationship with Firethorn two months ago, we're making mobile banking a reality for our customers. And whether our customers prefer to bank at Wachovia, SunTrust, FirstBank or BancorpSouth, they can now do so wherever they go because Firethorn and their financial institution partners provide a secure, easy-to-use and flexible mobile banking application that delivers a superior customer experience."

Financial institutions that have joined the Firethorn network include: Wachovia (NYSE: WB), SunTrust Bank (NYSE: STI), Regions Financial (NYSE: RF), BancorpSouth (NYSE: BXS), Synovus (NYSE: SNV), FirstBank, Arvest Bank, and America First Credit Union.

Firethorn chief executive officer Tripp Rackley said, "Viewing balances, making transfers and paying bills on-the-go is an exciting first step for millions of Verizon Wireless customers. Together with Verizon Wireless and our financial partners, we are helping to define the market for mobile financial services."

The Firethorn application is currently available on several phones from Verizon Wireless, including the Chocolate and enV by LG, LG VX8700, LG VX8600, LG VX9400, and the Samsung SCH-a950. The companies expect to make the application available on additional devices in the coming months. Verizon Wireless customers can find the Firethorn application in the Get Going or Tools on the Go virtual shopping aisle of the Get It Now(R) virtual store by clicking on "Get New App" and then "Business/Tools."

The mobile banking application is free, but application download, usage or megabyte charges may apply. Customers should check with their financial institution for availability and instructions on how to access their accounts through the mobile banking application.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 63.7 million customers. The largest U.S. wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 68,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at 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.

About Firethorn

Firethorn Holdings, LLC, now a Qualcomm company (Nasdaq: QCOM), is the preferred mobile financial services enabler supported by the nation's leading financial institutions, mobile network operators, merchants, retailers and brands. Firethorn integrates text- and application-based banking, bill payment, remote and proximity payments, coupons, marketing, ticketing and peer-to-peer transfers into a cohesive, interactive system -- the Mobile Consumer Wallet. As a neutral, inclusive third-party provider, Firethorn is focused on building the premier mobile banking and payments ecosystem -- the Firethorn Network. Firethorn Network partners gain the ability to improve customer retention, generate revenue and enhance brand equity.

For more information on Firethorn, visit www.firethornmobile.com or call 678.507.2500.