Minutes after the Ravens announced All-Pro Linebacker Ray Lewis' contract extension, cell phones using Verizon Wireless services were buzzing with the news.

The alerts are part of an arrangement between Verizon and the Ravens to feed fans news about the team - the first such service offered by any professional franchise.

To receive alerts from the "Coach's Corner," Verizon Wireless customers must subscribe to the company's Mobile Messenger text-messaging service. Each alert costs two cents, but customers can limit the number of alerts they receive.

Fans can learn more by surfing to www.baltimoreravens .com and choosing Read Billick's Corner.

Text-messaging customers can visit www.vtext.com to sign up for the Ravens alerts, as well as news, sports and other bulletins.

The Ravens use the Internet to send out alerts with up to 160 characters. Most messages direct users to the Ravens Web site for details.