usage controls thus increasing management features for parents and bill payers.

Chaperone 2.0 From Verizon Wireless Gives Parents More Tools To Locate Loved Ones

BASKING RIDGE, NJ  Aug. 18, 2008 -- Verizon Wireless said today that it has added new features and capabilities to its Chaperone® service, making it easier for parents to keep track of their children or for anyone to keep track of their loved ones when they are using their wireless phones.

Chaperone, originally introduced in 2006, is a convenient way to help determine the location of your child’s cellphone using the Internet or another cellphone. When children carry a Verizon Wireless cellphone while on-the-go, the Chaperone Web site or the Chaperone Parent Get It Now® application can be used to view location information or be notified of the whereabouts of the Chaperone Child phone.

“Parents have told us they appreciate the notification features Chaperone offers because it gives them the security of knowing where their children are and the ability to locate them when they are carrying their wireless phones,” said Mike Lanman, chief marketing officer of Verizon Wireless. “Now, with Chaperone 2.0, we have added new capabilities that make the service even more useful for parents and for kids.”

Together with Usage Controls, Verizon Wireless’ new service announced today, Chaperone 2.0 provides parents with a full family security solution that helps them locate their children and understand what services they are using on their wireless phones.

New Features Available with Chaperone 2.0

Chaperone 2.0 now offers:

• The ability to locate multiple Chaperone Child devices at the same time, either from the Chaperone Parent mobile device or the Chaperone Web site.
• The introduction of Family SMS Messaging: Parents will now be able to send text messages to one or more Chaperone Child phones from the Chaperone Parent mobile device or Chaperone Web site
• Integration with VZ Navigator^SM: When a parent locates a Chaperone Child phone from a Chaperone Parent mobile device with a VZ Navigator subscription, they can automatically open VZ Navigator with the address pre-populated and receive turn-by-turn directions to their child’s location.
• Enhancements to Child Zones®: Parents can now add time and date settings to Child Zone SMS Alerts and schedule Child Zone alerts to be sent to the Chaperone Parent mobile device by text message or by e-mail.
• The capability to add up to four children within the account to each Child Zone.
• A redesigned Chaperone Web site and Chaperone Parent mobile device, making the entire service easier to use and navigate.

Chaperone 2.0 is available today for $9.99 per line per month. For more information, to sign up, or for a full list of Chaperone Parent- and Chaperone Child-capable devices, visit www.verizonwireless.com/chaperone or call 1-800-2 JOIN IN.

Verizon Wireless Adds To Portfolio Of Consumer-Friendly Tools With Introduction Of Usage Controls

BASKING RIDGE, NJ  Aug. 18, 2008 -- Verizon Wireless today unveiled Usage Controls, the most recent addition to its portfolio of tools for customers to manage their own wireless experience. Usage Controls is an easy-to-use online service providing customers the ability to better manage and control how they use their wireless phones, as well as how their children or others on a “family share” or multiple-line account use their phones.

The new service expands and enhances features first introduced last year with Parental Controls, including content filters. Since 2006, Verizon Wireless has also provided customers with ratings for the content found on its V CAST service, and www.vtext.com offers a number of choices to manage or personalize text messaging options.

“We hear from our customers – especially the ones who are paying the bills – that they like to be aware of how their wireless service is being used. Usage Controls are a simple way to take control of all the mobile phones on your account,” said Mike Lanman, chief marketing officer of Verizon Wireless.

About Usage Controls

With Usage Controls, customers can stay on top of voice and data usage levels, helping avoid any unexpected charges or overages. Usage Controls will also help parents comfortably and confidently provide wireless service for their children, by managing what content they are viewing or understanding if they are accruing additional costs.

Usage Controls are accessed through the My Verizon Web site and customers can change or update their settings under the My Services tab. With the service, customers can:

• Set thresholds for voice minutes;
• Set specific limits for text, picture, instant and video messaging as part of pay-as-you-go or message bundle plans;
• Set time of day restrictions for data use and messaging;
• Create lists of “trusted” and “blocked” numbers (calls to 911 will always be allowed to connect); and
• Employ content filters.

Usage Controls are available for a $4.99 monthly subscription for each line. Customers must have a Nationwide Calling Plan – either Family Share or single line – to take advantage of Usage Controls.

Chaperone 2.0

Parents can also add Chaperone® 2.0 to their accounts for $9.99 per line per month. Chaperone 2.0, together with Usage Controls, offers a full family security solution that provides assurance as to where children are and what services they are using.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.verizonwireless.com/usagecontrols or www.verizonwireless.com/chaperone or call 1-800-2 JOIN IN.

Information Source:    Verizon Wireless

Images courtesy of Verizon Wireless