When: Groundbreaking is scheduled for later this year; the 152,389-square-foot building is expected to be complete late next year.

Jobs: Verizon says the facility will have up to 1,300 employees by the end of 2008, making it one of the area's top 10 private-sector employers. Officials said the jobs will have a minimum starting pay of about $26,000, in addition to benefits.

Quote: "Today's announcement is proof that a strong business climate - good schools, a solid community and a highly skilled work force - make a difference to growing businesses like Verizon Wireless looking to expand." - Gov. Bob Riley

The company: Verizon Wireless is based in Basking Ridge, N.J., and is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone. It was named one of Working Mother magazine's "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" for the fifth consecutive year.

Investing in Alabama: Verizon has invested more than $110 million in Alabama in the past two years to expand and enhance its wireless network.

On the Net: www.verizonwireless.com

Wayne Smith