Verizon Wireless announced today that customers with TXT Messaging-capable phones can sign up to receive TXT Alerts with information about abducted children right from their wireless phones. Since May, Verizon Wireless customers have been able to register for Wireless AMBER AlertsTM online. Verizon Wireless is the first national wireless service provider to announce that customers are able sign up for these Alerts by sending a TXT Message directly from their wireless phones.

Wireless AMBER Alerts are distributed in cooperation with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and local law enforcement agencies. The Alerts will appear as text messages on a customer's wireless handset, and will include information about the abducted child and a telephone number for law enforcement for the customer to call to report any information on that child.

"The idea behind Wireless AMBER Alerts is to get information to people when they are on the go and may be able to provide law enforcement with timely information about abducted children," said Steve Zipperstein, vice president and general counsel, Verizon Wireless. "By offering our customers the ability to sign up for Alerts right from their handsets, we're providing a simple and accessible way for them to be part of this program."

Opting In Using TXT Messaging and AMBER Code

Verizon Wireless customers with handsets capable of text messaging can sign up for Wireless AMBER Alerts by sending a TXT Message to the address AMBER (26237). The body of the message should include a five-digit ZIP Code indicating the state or geographical area for which they would like to receive Wireless AMBER Alerts. Customers will receive a reply message confirming they have signed up for the Alert, along with instructions on how to cancel the service.

Wireless AMBER Alerts are issued by local law enforcement agencies. All 50 states have AMBER Alert programs, and a full list of the AMBER Alert plans can be found on NCMEC's Web site at www.missingkids.com .

The messages to sign up and receive Wireless AMBER Alerts are free for Verizon Wireless customers and will not count against any bundles or other TXT Messaging packages.

Signing Up for Wireless AMBER Alerts Online

Since May 17, Verizon Wireless customers with handsets capable of receiving TXT Messages have been able to sign up online to receive Wireless AMBER Alerts. Customers can continue to opt-in by going to www.verizonwireless.com, and choosing "send TXT Messages" from the Get It Now drop-down menu, or by logging directly in to www.vtext.com, Verizon Wireless' TXT Messaging site. After logging in, customers go to the Alerts page and choose the "News and Tech" category, then click on "FREE" Wireless AMBER Alert. They will then be prompted to enter a ZIP Code for the state or geographical area for which they want to receive Wireless AMBER Alerts.

Verizon Wireless customers may also visit www.wirelessamberalerts.org where they will be asked to enter their wireless phone number, and then will be automatically directed to the Alerts page on the www.vtext.com site.