VERIZON WIRELESS OFFERS SESAME STREET SHORT CONTENT TO V CAST CUSTOMERS

Verizon Wireless and Sesame Workshop Provide Sesame Street Video Clips On Nation’s First 3G Consumer Wireless Broadband Multimedia Service

BEDMINSTER, NJ and NEW YORK, February 3, 2005
Verizon Wireless, the nation’s leading wireless service provider, and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization, today announced the availability of Sesame Street video clips on Verizon Wireless’ new V CAST wireless broadband multimedia service.  V CAST from Verizon Wireless is the first true 3G wireless broadband consumer multimedia service in the country, allowing customers to view crystal clear video clips on demand and graphics for 3D games.   V CAST runs on Verizon Wireless’ Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network – the only widely available wide-area wireless broadband network in the United States.  The V CAST coverage area, which mirrors the Verizon Wireless EV-DO network, is available in more than 30 major metropolitan markets and covers more than 75 million people.

When it launched the groundbreaking show Sesame Street in 1969, Sesame Workshop led the way in using media to educate children.  Today, the Workshop once again furthers its mission of using media innovation to educate and entertain kids – and those who are just kids at heart.  With Sesame Street video clips on Verizon’s V Cast, parents can educate their kids in places that were not previously possible and older fans can reconnect with the Muppets™ from Sesame Street.  Whether it’s a sing-a-long with Elmo or alphabet lessons with Big Bird, the Sesame Street video clips featured on the V CAST service are some of the most popular segments available.

V CAST used Windows Media to provide a high quality wireless multimedia entertainment experience for customers.  For $15.00 monthly access in addition to their Verizon Wireless calling plan, customers get the V CAST VPak that includes unlimited access to a wide array of more than 300 daily updated videos from leading content providers, such as Sesame Workshop.  Unlimited basic video clips are included, but application download fees will still apply for 3-D Games, premium video clips, and all other Get It Now^® applications.  There are no airtime charges to stream and watch Sesame Street video clips or to stream or download other V CAST video clip content.  Verizon Wireless V CAST customers also receive monthly access and unlimited browsing of Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Web 2.0^SM news and information service.  In addition, customers can choose from premium video clip content including music videos and more, available for an additional cost.

V CAST’s array of new multimedia programming is located in the Get It Now virtual store – customers can access video from favorite news, sports and entertainment providers in the getVIDEO shopping aisle including Sesame Street video clips.  Customers can also check out new cutting edge 3D games in the getGAMES aisle.  VCAST also gives customers unlimited airtime to browse and view applications, such as getTONES and getGOING, in the other familiar Get It Now shopping aisles.

With the new 3G-capable LG VX8000 phone, V CAST customers can stream and watch Sesame Street video clips with just a few clicks.  The LG VX8000 is available to Verizon Wireless customers for $199.99 after $70 rebate with a two-year customer agreement.   V CAST customers can also find Sesame Street video clips on the Samsung a890, which is $249.99 after a $70 rebate with a two-year customer agreement, and the CDM8940 from UTStarcom Personal Communications (formerly Audiovox Communications Corp.) for $229.99 after a $70 rebate with a two-year customer agreement. 

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

EDITORS: High-resolution images of Sesame Street video clips on V CAST are available online.  Log onto www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia to preview and request images.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation’s most reliable wireless network, serving 56.7 million voice and data customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., Verizon Wireless 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 Sesame Workshop

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that changed television forever with the legendary Sesame Street.  As the single largest informal educator of young children, local Sesame Street programs produced in countries as diverse as South Africa, Bangladesh and India are making a difference in over 120 nations. Using proprietary research to create engaging and enriching content, Sesame Workshop produces programs such as Dragon Tales and Pinky Dinky Doo. In addition, multimedia needs-driven initiatives provide families tools for addressing such issues as children’s health, military deployment and emergency preparedness.  As a nonprofit, product proceeds and philanthropic support endow Sesame Workshop’s educational research and creative content for children around the world.  Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.

Contact

Jeffrey Nelson
Verizon Wireless
908.306.4824
Jeffrey.Nelson@verizonwireless.com