SimpleOptions Long-Distance Calling Plan For Businesses Launched in 36 States

NEW YORK -- To meet the needs of small and mid-sized businesses that spend between $100 and $5,000 per month on long distance, Verizon Long Distance is introducing SimpleOptions^sm. Being introduced in 36 states today, it offers competitive rates with a choice of four monthly spending levels and three different term commitments.

"In today's economy, it's more important than ever that long-distance companies offer simple, easy-to-understand calling plans that brings customers value," said Jill Wagner, vice president for marketing, Verizon Long Distance. "And SimpleOptions delivers that without hidden charges or fees. Businesses can depend on Verizon for high-quality, reliable service at competitive prices and a 24-hour flat-rate plan that's easy to understand."

How SimpleOptions Works

Businesses can choose from four minimum spending levels between $100 and $5,000 per month. The higher the spending level, the lower the per-minute rate:
• $100 -- 7.5 cents per minute

• $500 -- 7 cents per minute

• $1,000 -- 6.5 cents per minute

• $5,000 -- 6 cents per minute

In addition, a 5 percent overall discount is available to customers who subscribe to Centrex or other local products. Additional incentives are available for customers who sign a one- or three-year term contract. Toll-free and international calls are included in calculating the minimum spending levels as well.

"More and more customers are telling us that they want simpler calling plans that are easy to understand. That's why we've simplified the options available on the SimpleOptions plan," Wagner said.

The new, SimpleOptions plan is now available in: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Verizon Long Distance is the nation's fourth largest long-distance company with more than 5.2 million customers. Its reach extends to 250 countries and international locations.

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 112 million access line equivalents and 27 million wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. A Fortune 10 company with approximately 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.