Verizon Wireless

Vodafone Group PLC
16 October 2000


         VODAFONE AND VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS DEFER IPO


Vodafone  Group  Plc  and  Verizon  Communications  Inc.  have
decided  that  in  the light of current market  conditions  it
would  be prudent to defer the planned initial public offering
of common stock in Verizon Wireless Inc.

For further information contact:

Terry Barwick, Director of Corporate Affairs
Tim Brown, Investor Relations Director
Melissa Stimpson, Senior Investor Relations Manager
Mike Caldwell, Corporate Communications Director
At Vodafone Group Plc
Telephone: [phone]

Lulu Bridges
Tavistock Communications
Telephone:  [phone]