Verizon Online Triples DSL Upstream Speed and Slashes Business DSL Price

NEW YORK - Sending large files and photos, making split-second online auction bids, and outmaneuvering the competition in interactive online games just got even faster for Verizon Online DSL customers as the company triples the upstream connection speed of its DSL service to 384 kilobits per second (Kbps) from 128 Kbps. The maximum download connection speed of the service is up to 1.5 megabits per second (Mbps).

New Verizon Online DSL customers will receive the faster upstream speed automatically. The price for the 1.5Mbps/384Kbps consumer service remains the same as it was for the 1.5Mbps/128Kbps service -- $29.95 a month when purchased as part of a package of local and long-distance calling services or $34.95 a month for stand-alone DSL service.

Verizon Online lowered its DSL price to make it easier for businesses to turbo-charge their Internet connection. Now, Verizon's business-grade 1.5Mbps/384Kbps packages start at $59.95 per month for DSL with a dynamic IP (Internet protocol) address and $79.95 a month for a static IP address, a savings of $30 to $40 a month.

Unlike dynamic DSL, a static IP address gives businesses a permanent IP address, enabling them to host a Web site and an e-mail server as well as provide virtual private network (VPN) applications for employees who work remotely. Business DSL packages include domain name e-mail boxes (username@yourcompany.com), and unlimited remote dial-up access at no additional charge.

"Today's online world is increasingly interactive, and our customers want to both receive and send data quickly," said John Wimsatt, vice president of marketing for Verizon. "Faster upstream speed can really make a difference for telecommuters and business customers who e-mail large files or attachments and for the at-home online gamer. These changes are another way Verizon is creating a superior value in home and small-business broadband."

Current residential customers who want the increased upstream speed can call 1-800-567-6789. Business customers looking for a super-fast Internet connection and dedicated technical support specially trained to assist business customers can call 1-888-649-9500.

Last month, Verizon announced record DSL sales with the addition of 345,000 new lines in the first quarter of 2004, representing a 46 percent year-over-year growth rate. The company now has 2.7 million DSL lines in service.

Verizon Communications

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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DSL service generally is available to homes and offices located within approximately three miles of Verizon's local switching center or "central office." Some technical limitations may interfere with the ability of individual telephone lines to get DSL, even when the lines are within three miles of a DSL-equipped central office.

Downstream and upstream speeds describing Verizon Online's 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 than the advertised line rate. 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.