Verizon Puts More Power in its DSL Service for Businesses with Linksys Routers

NEW YORK and IRVINE, Calif. - Responding to customers who want maximum efficiency from their Verizon DSL connections, Verizon announced today that it is supporting small business broadband networking by selling Linksys four and eight-port EtherFast® routers. The router enables small businesses to connect multiple PC users who are online simultaneously to share the bandwidth from a single DSL modem. It also allows businesses to perform networking tasks such as file and printer sharing.

"Adding a router to spread DSL around small business customers' offices is the fastest, easiest way I know to boost productivity," said Tim Eggleston, general manager and director for Verizon Online DSL. "The Linksys routers allows one DSL service to serve multiple users at one time, performing multiple tasks, just like our small business customers have to do.

"Customers really get more bang for their buck since there's no additional monthly charge to hook-up more computers to the DSL line, just a one-time router charge. Adding the routers to Verizon's DSL portfolio makes us a one-stop DSL shop," he said.

Verizon offers a full range of DSL packages nationwide for businesses, with a variety of speed choices. Small businesses can then choose the best package for their needs, based on types of applications and the number of DSL users. The packages and prices vary slightly depending on whether the service is offered in the Northeast or areas served formerly by GTE.

More than 95 percent of Verizon's DSL customers install their own service and the DSL router also can be installed by customers.

Linksys Vice President of Business Development Janie Tsao said, "Verizon is setting new industry standards catering to small business needs by offering a complete DSL package -- the service, a modem and the networking hardware. This is an exceptional value for the small business customer since Verizon provides all the main components for a secure, compatible and multi-sharing DSL network. It makes it easier for businesses to get up and running on the Internet with this kind of support."

Limited Promotion

Through Oct. 31, the four-port router is reduced from $129.95 to $99. The eight-port router will sell for $199.95. All the set-up or one-time charges have been waived. Also, businesses can buy a DSL modem for $99 with a $99 rebate. There's a 30-day satisfaction guarantee allowing customers to cancel the service within the first 30 days of registration for a full refund if they are not completely satisfied.

More information about Linksys routers and Verizon's DSL service is available at www.verizon.net. Former Bell Atlantic customers can call 1-877-525-2375 and former GTE customers can call 1-877-483-1794 to order the service.

Verizon Online is a full-service Internet service provider, offering a complete suite of dial-up, DSL and dedicated Internet access services for residential consumers and small and medium-size businesses. Dial-up and dedicated Internet access from Verizon Online is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. DSL Internet access services are available in 26 states and the District. Verizon Online also offers businesses a robust portfolio of Web hosting and business e-mail solutions services across the country.

Verizon Communications

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 125 million access line equivalents and approximately 28 million wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. A Fortune 10 company with about 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.

Linksys

Linksys, an award-winning leader in the development of wireless, broadband and LAN networking solutions for the small/medium business (SMB) corporate, small office/home office (SOHO) and home environments, is the number-one manufacturer of networking hardware in the retail and e-commerce channels and the fastest growing networking solution provider for the SMB corporate sector. Linksys products emphasize speed, affordability, reliability, ease of installation and widespread compatibility. For more information, visit the Linksys Web site at www.linksys.com or call toll free at 1-800-LINKSYS (546-5797).