Verizon Online Offers DSL Service for First Time in New Markets Across 14 States

NEW YORK - There's a new competitive choice for broadband service in hundreds of communities across America today as Verizon Online DSL launches service for the first time in three states and expands it in 11 others.

Verizon has upgraded its network to enable DSL service on more than 1.2 million DSL telephone lines to achieve this extensive expansion, and now offers its DSL service in 26 states and the District of Columbia.

"Internet users across America are flocking to DSL in record numbers, and we're expanding the availability of Verizon's high-speed Internet service to offer more choice in more communities than ever before," said Judy Verses, senior vice president of marketing for Verizon's Retail Markets Group. "As we expand our service availability, we are focused on creating the best value in broadband with great content, superior service and extremely affordable pricing."

For the first time, Verizon Online DSL service is available to qualifying local customers in Idaho, Ohio and South Carolina. Additionally, the high-speed Internet access service is now available in more communities in California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Consumers who are interested in Verizon Online DSL service can get more information and can check to see if they qualify for service by visiting www.verizon.net. online or by calling 1-800-PICK-DSL.

Verizon Online offers consumer DSL service with a maximum connection speed of 1.5 Mbps (megabits-per-second) downstream and 384 Kbps (kilobits-per-second) upstream for as low as $29.95 a month to qualifying customers who purchase the service on an annual plan or as part of a package of Verizon local and long-distance calling services.

The company also now offers DSL service to consumers with a maximum connection speed of up to 3 Mbps/768 Kbps in a dozen Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states for just $39.95 a month as part of a package of Verizon calling services. The company will soon expand this higher-speed offering to qualified lines within the rest of its service territory.

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.

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 1-888-649-9500 or http://biz.verizon.net/pands/dsl/. Customers who sign up online receive one month of free service.

Technical Definitions

Verizon Online DSL service in not available in all areas or on all telephone lines and is subject to final confirmation of availability by Verizon.

Downstream and upstream speeds describing Verizon Online's DSL services are maximum connection speeds between the customer's computer and Verizon's DSL equipment. Actual connection speeds may vary from the maximum speeds and may be lower. Throughput (download and upload) speeds will be lower than connection speeds and vary based on the telephone line's condition and distance from Verizon's central office, home or office wiring and the server or router speed of sites visited on the Internet, among other factors.

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.

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