Verizon Invests $1.5 Million To Better Serve New Jersey's Mercerville Area Customers

MERCERVILLE, N.J. - Verizon customers in the Mercerville area will soon have improved communications as the result of a $1.5 million investment the company is making in its call-switching center here.

Verizon is installing new power systems and other equipment that support high-speed, high-capacity services for business and DSL (digital subscriber line) high-speed Internet service. The power systems also provide continued telecommunications services in the event of a commercial power disruption and allow Verizon technicians to more efficiently monitor power systems operation and diagnose network power problems. The company expects to complete the work by the end of this year.

In addition to the Mercerville project, Verizon continues to install fiber-optic cable and other advanced telecommunications equipment throughout the Garden State. At the end of 2002, the company had deployed 1.69 million fiber miles in New Jersey, enough to circle the earth more than 65 times.

"Verizon is the only telecommunications company in New Jersey committed to substantial levels of investment in information-age technology," said Dennis Bone, president of Verizon New Jersey. "Our capital investment over the past three years totals more than $3 billion. That is more than $2.5 million dollars a day that helps to jump-start New Jersey's economic engine and deliver information technology to consumers, entrepreneurs and competitors who use our network."

The company also invests in advanced technology to help conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase the security and reliability of Verizon's telecommunications network from Weehawken to Wildwood. Verizon is working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to save energy and protect the environment.

"Our investment in the Verizon network is a clear expression of confidence in New Jersey at a time when capital commitments to foster economic growth, improve education and attract new businesses are more important than ever," Bone said.

In addition to deploying the latest technology, Verizon has spent tens of millions of dollars to open New Jersey's local telephone market to competition.

"Verizon has a long history of investment in this state and service to our customers and communities," Bone said. "We will continue to play a vital role in New Jersey's future, just as we have for more than a century."

Verizon Communications

A Fortune 10 company, 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 136.6 million access line equivalents and 33.3 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is the third-largest long-distance carrier for U.S. consumers, with 13.2 million long-distance lines, and the company is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. With approximately $67 billion in annual revenues and 227,000 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

####