Verizon Adds New Freedom Calling Plan; Introduces Discount for Bundled Internet, DIRECTV and Wireless ONE-BILL Options

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Verizon customers in California now have a new option available in the Verizon Freedom suite of packages and can further trim their monthly bill by also ordering either Verizon Online DSL Internet Service, Verizon FiOS Internet Service or DIRECTV^® entertainment service, or by linking their home and Verizon Wireless bills.

Verizon Freedom Unlimited is the newest addition to the Freedom portfolio.

Like the original Freedom calling plans, Verizon Freedom Unlimited includes unlimited direct-dialed local, regional toll and domestic long-distance calling, and the most popular calling features such as caller ID and Call Waiting. And at $54.95, the new plan costs $5 less per month than the original Verizon Freedom plan. Home Voice Mail and unlimited calling to Canada are not included in the new plan. Customers who desire unlimited calling to Canada, or more robust calling features, such as Home Voice Mail, or both, are still best served by the original Verizon Freedom packages. They offer between five and 14 value-added services, including Home Voice Mail and calling to Canada. With the new plan, customers have their choice of up to three calling features. Calls to Canada will be billed based upon the customer's choice of international calling plan.

In addition, customers qualify for a $5 discount off the local calling portion of the package if they order some form of a bundle, including the addition of Verizon Online DSL; dial-up Internet access (billed on the Verizon bill); DIRECTV services purchased through Verizon; Verizon FiOS Internet service in areas served by Verizon's innovative fiber-to-the-premises project; or who choose the ONE-BILL^® option to include their Verizon Wireless billing on their regular Verizon bill.

This new $5 discount on more expansive bundles that include affiliate products is now available with any of the Freedom plans and selected other packages. Other savings still apply, including $5 off DSL when paired with an applicable calling plan, and bottom-line discounts of $2 to $6 when DIRECTV internet is purchased with a local and long-distance calling plan, Internet access, or both.

"We've increased the options and services available to Freedom customers to make the bundles even more valuable and more easily customized to our customers' needs," said Judy Verses, senior vice president of national marketing for Verizon's Retail Markets Group. "The increased options available to customers in the Freedom packages solidify Verizon's position as the bundle leader in an industry crowded with look-alikes and me-too players. Customers, however, are not fooled by packages that don't make sense and don't fit their family's calling needs."

Verizon lets customers customize their bundles, selecting from an array of calling packages that offer bundled local and long-distance, as well as DSL and DIRECTV service.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. With a diverse work force of approximately 208,000, Verizon has four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband, nationwide long-distance and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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