Location: Responsible for Montana and Wyoming. Located in Helena MT.

With Verizon Wireless Since: 2006

Miles Driven Daily:
450 to 500

Current Ringtone:
Standard Verizon Wireless ringtone

Favorite Verizon Wireless Service or Feature:
VZ Navigator - while moving to Montana VZ Navigator was used extensively!

How did you become a Test Man?
After working in sales in Las Vegas NV for one-and-a-half years, I finally landed this position in the network department. I have always been in the technical side of wireless working for Bell Atlantic Mobile, Motorola, Ericsson and others.

What do you have in common with the Test Man in the commercials?
The network is the foundation to the company. I know this first hand working in sales - if we offer the customer better service than the competition, then they are happy. Verizon Wireless has the reputation of offering the best service….customer service and network service! Or Service to the 2nd power!

Which traits make you a successful Test Man?
You have a lot of responsibly test driving: vehicle – traffic – test equipment –accuracy on routes – being a good courteous driver as you represent Verizon Wireless.

What does "It's the Network" mean to you?
Doing my part to keep it operating and making it better every day. We don’t sell cell phones, we sell consumers a wireless communications portal to assist them in communicating with anyone. It’s the single more important electronic device of the decade because it allows you to communicate to anyone – anywhere.

Why does Verizon Wireless need to test the network every day?
With something as complex as a wireless network, it needs to be constantly tested to make sure it performs to maximum potential. Your customers are paying for the phone to work and we must ensure that this will happen. When I test I am always asking “IT LOOKS RIGHT, BUT IS IT?”

What is the most unique place you have visited to test the Verizon Wireless network?
Wray, Colorado is fascinating because on the surface it looks like an old farm town with only a few people living there. One time, while I was eating lunch I observed several people who were using their cell phones, blackberries and even VZ broadband services while they came to eat lunch.

How does Verizon Wireless use the data you collect?
The data is used to identify weaknesses and/or strengths in order to provide the best coverage.

What should consumers know about the Verizon Wireless network?
Verizon Wireless spends millions of dollars to ensure we have coverage according to our published maps.

What achievement/aspect of your job are you most proud of?
So much time, money and technical expertise is spent on the network.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Bob Kelley
303-694-8990
Robert.Kelley@VerizonWireless.com

Reliability Studies for the west