Verizon Online Expands High-Speed Internet Access in Wheeling, W. Va. Area

WHEELING, W.Va. - More consumers and businesses in the Wheeling area can enjoy the benefits of high-speed Internet access now that Verizon Online has expanded its availability in the city.

Verizon Online is now offering its digital subscriber line (DSL) service with a choice of Internet connection speeds to qualifying customers in Woodsdale, including the Big Wheeling Creek area and the Mt. DeChantel vicinity, near Washington Ave. The new DSL offering is the result of the company's most recent upgrade to its local telecommunications network at several of its field facilities in the Wheeling area.

"Expanding the availability of high-speed Internet service is another step in our transformation from a telephone company to a broadband communications provider," said H. Stan Cavendish, president of Verizon West Virginia. "And with a choice of speeds and prices, qualifying customers can choose which DSL tier best meets their needs. Broadband services like DSL enhance the quality of life and make the Wheeling area more attractive for businesses and individuals to locate."

Verizon Online DSL with MSN Premium Consumer Offer

Qualifying Verizon Online DSL customers can receive DSL service with a maximum connection speed of 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second) downstream and 384 Kbps (kilobits per second) upstream for just $29.95 a month when subscribing to an annual service plan or when purchasing the service as part of a package of Verizon local and long-distance calling services. Other customers will pay $34.95 a month for this service.

The company also offers a higher maximum connection speed of up to 3 Mbps downstream and 768 Kbps upstream for $39.95 a month with an annual service plan or as part of a package of Verizon calling services. Other customers who qualify for this plan will pay $44.95 a month.

Verizon Online DSL with MSN Premium service includes:

• Free do-it-yourself installation kit with a DSL modem

• Round-the-clock technical support

• MSN Premium software ($99 annual value) with parental controls, virus protection, pop-up guard and a variety of popular MSN services

• 9 e-mail accounts

• 10 MB (megabytes) of Web space

• 30-day money-back guarantee

In addition, qualifying Verizon Online DSL customers who subscribe to an annual service plan will receive a free combination modem and router "home gateway," enabling them to share their DSL connection among multiple computers in their homes. The gateway costs $49.95 for qualifying customers purchasing DSL as part of a Verizon calling package. The gateway is $99.95 for customers who do not purchase DSL with a calling package or select an annual service plan.

Customers can be billed for DSL on their monthly Verizon telephone bill or a credit card. Local Verizon telephone customers who want to order DSL service or get more information can call Verizon at 1-800-PICK-DSL.

Variety of DSL Packages Available for Businesses

Businesses can choose from a variety of DSL speeds and services tailored specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. Verizon Online offers business customers that want 3 Mbps service a choice of dynamic or static IP (Internet protocol) routing for $89.95 per month and $129.95 a month, respectively. Unlike dynamic DSL, a static IP address gives businesses a permanent IP address for hosting a Web site and an e-mail server, as well as providing virtual private network (VPN) applications for employees who work remotely.

In June, Verizon reduced the cost of its 1.5Mbps/384Kbps dynamic IP (Internet protocol) DSL for businesses to $59.95 from $89.95 and its static IP DSL to $79.95 from $119.95. Verizon Online DSL for businesses includes:

• 20 MB (megabytes) of Web space that can be used to create an online storefront

• Unlimited dial-up access

• Business-grade e-mail for employees (name@yourbusinessname.com)

• Business-grade technical support available round-the-clock

• 30-day money-back guarantee

• On-time guarantee

Business customers can receive a 20 percent discount on their DSL service if they combine high-speed Internet access with other Verizon services. Additional plans and pricing information are available at http://biz.verizon.net/pands/dsl/. Customers who sign up online receive one month of free service.

Verizon Online is a full-service Internet service provider, offering a complete selection of dial-up, DSL and dedicated Internet access services for residential consumers and businesses. Verizon Online DSL service is available in 23 states and the District of Columbia.

A Dow 30 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $68 billion in annual revenues. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. Verizon's international presence includes wireline and wireless communications operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

####

Service not available in all areas or on all telephone lines and subject to final confirmation of services by Verizon. The Verizon Online version of MSN Premium is not Macintosh compatible. Equipment may vary by locations. Actual speeds may vary. Speed and uninterrupted use of service not guaranteed.