Verizon Wireless, Panasonic, QUALCOMM and Alcatel-Lucent to Host Wireless Leadership Forum.

General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) to deliver keynote and panel of government experts debate wireless technology in government

WASHINGTON -- Verizon Wireless, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, QUALCOMM and Alcatel-Lucent, leaders in mobile and wireless solutions, will today host

Taking place at the Ronald Reagan Building/International Trade Center, the event will begin with a keynote address by General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) on leadership, and include panel discussions by government and private sector representatives. The panels will be moderated by journalist and government technology consultant Tom Temin, and feature the following participants:

* Paige Atkins, Director of the Defense Spectrum Organization, DISA

* Dr. David Boyd, Division Head, Command, Control and Interoperability

* Michael Duffy, Deputy CIO, eGovernment, Department of Justice (IWN)

* Lt. Col. Rick Francona, Military Analyst, NBC/MSNBC

* Rear Admiral James Godwin, Retired US Navy, F/A-18 Program Manager

* David Rowson, Deputy CIO, Army Corps of Engineers

Today's event will bring together more than 200 key decision makers from government agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the military, to discuss the issues and challenges of wireless technology adoption in the public sector. The event will include candid dialogue about wireless standards, the rise of broadband, security, and hardware and network solutions for government.

"Panasonic Toughbooks are used by thousands of government customers to ensure reliable access to mission-critical information in environments from the extreme to the mainstream," said Rance Poehler, President, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "Today, with our partners, Panasonic is helping these customers become leaders by leveraging the power of mobile and wireless technologies to enable the continuity of government services."

"The Verizon brand is a proven leader in the industry and in providing solutions that allow our government customers to have the latest technology at their fingertips," said Michael Maiorana, Vice President, National Government Sales & Operations, Verizon Wireless. "Verizon Wireless takes great pride in providing the nation's most reliable wireless network and a portfolio of wireless solutions to enhance the productivity, mobility and connectivity of government workers."

"Embedded mobile broadband solutions are greatly enhancing the way government agencies and their staffs communicate, giving them full mobile access to networks and intranet applications that bolster their overall productivity," said Mike Concannon, Vice President of Strategic Products for QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies. "Our technology collaborations with companies throughout the wireless value chain - from device manufacturers to operators - are helping government organizations to support their increasingly mobile workforces."

"Alcatel-Lucent leverages a long-history of mobile innovation to develop solutions that meet the government's communications challenges for today and the future," said Dr. David Bishop, Chief Technical and Operations Officer, LGS, Alcatel-Lucent U.S. Government subsidiary. "Working with our customers and partners through its LGS subsidiary, Alcatel-Lucent builds upon its extensive industry knowledge to deliver compelling and secure communications services that meet the wide-ranging needs of government both in the office and on the move."

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 60.7 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 66,000 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 Panasonic Computer Solutions Company

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company empowers the mobile workforce. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC). Panasonic has delivered reliable, durable mobile solutions through its Toughbook[R] line of notebook computers for fourteen years and has expanded the boundaries of wireless communications technology through a broad portfolio of products, ranging from fully rugged, industrial strength notebook computers and tablet PCs to semi-rugged and business-rugged thin and light and ultraportable notebooks. A core manufacturer, Matsushita and its subsidiaries control the entire process of design, manufacture, quality assurance, service and support. As a result, Panasonic Toughbooks are known for having the lowest failure rates in the industry. Government, industrial, and commercial users--from Fortune 1,000 companies to small businesses--rely on solutions from Panasonic, wherever their work takes them.

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic's full line of notebook PCs for the mobile professional can be obtained by calling 800-662-3537 or at http://www.panasonic.com/toughbook.

About Alcatel-Lucent

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) provides solutions that enable service providers, enterprises and governments worldwide, to deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users. As a leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications, and services, Alcatel-Lucent offers the end-to-end solutions that enable compelling communications services for people at home, at work and on the move. With operations in more than 130 countries, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with global reach. The company has the most experienced global services team in the industry, and one of the largest research, technology and innovation organizations in the telecommunications industry. Alcatel-Lucent achieved adjusted proforma revenues of Euro 18.3 billion in 2006 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices located in Paris. [All figures exclude impact of activities transferred to Thales]. For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on the Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

About QUALCOMM

QUALCOMM Incorporated (www.qualcomm.com) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., QUALCOMM is included in the S&P 500 Index and is a 2007 FORTUNE 500[R] company traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market[R] under the ticker symbol QCOM.