Verizon Deploys Fiber Optics, Electronics, Bringing Additional Voice, Data Capacity North of Boston

MALDEN, Mass. -- Verizon Communications is investing $1.18 million this year to expand and upgrade its telecommunications network in the region

just north of Boston.

The company is installing nearly eight miles of fiber-optic cable and associated equipment in the communities of Malden, Melrose, Stoneham and Wakefield. The

individual glass strands of fiber, if laid end-to-end, would stretch for 3,400 miles.

Work on several related projects in the four communities is scheduled to be completed by early fall. The new fiber will boost Verizon's network capacity in

response to dramatic increases in customer requests for high-speed data services.

The projects also provide additional capacity, reliability and survivability in the Verizon network. Fiber-optic systems use hair-thin glass strands and digital

technology to deliver high quality telephone services along with high-capacity/high-speed voice and data services.

"This major infrastructure investment in the communities north of Boston demonstrates that Verizon is keenly aware of the dynamic character of this region

of the state," said Robert Mudge, president of Verizon Massachusetts.

Nationwide, Verizon invests more than $12 billion annually in its telecommunications network, which is one of the most advanced in the world and features an

industry-leading 8.3 million miles of fiber-optic systems.

In Massachusetts, Mudge said this commitment to advanced technology includes:

• Nearly $5 billion in network investment since 1995, including $800 million this year.

• 700,000 miles of fiber-optic cable, more than double the 325,000 miles in 1995.

• The latest digital technology systems in all 274 of Verizon's call-routing centers throughout the state.

• Availability of Verizon Online DSL (digital subscriber line) service to more than 1.2 million households and nearly 3 million phone lines statewide. DSL,

  which was launched in Massachusetts nearly two years ago, is a high-speed connection to the Internet that enables users to connect to cyberspace at speeds

  much faster than today's fastest analog modems.

"We are proud of our critical role in assuring that Massachusetts continues to have one of the nation's most advanced telecommunications networks,"

said Mudge. "This infrastructure, together with Verizon's recently won ability to provide long-distance service in our state, will help Massachusetts, its

businesses, schools and consumers to succeed in the new millennium."

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are the largest providers of

wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 112 million access line equivalents and 27 million wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest

directory publisher in the world. A Fortune 10 company with approximately 260,000 employees and more than $65 billion in annual revenues, Verizon's global

presence extends to 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

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