Caller ID and Other Advanced Phone Services Available Soon to Verizon Customers in Enterprise, Imnaha, Lostine, Wallowa and Joseph

BEAVERTON, Ore. - Verizon customers in Enterprise, Imnaha, Lostine, Wallowa and Joseph will soon be able use Caller ID to find who's calling before they pick up the phone. Beginning Oct. 23, they can also program Verizon's network to stop calls from certain numbers. And returning a missed call is as simple as entering a three-digit code.

The new services are some of the additional options that will be equipment upgrades Verizon has made in the area.

"These advanced services help people save time, increase productivity and avoid unnecessary aggravation. In short, they improve quality of life," said Bob Leonard, Verizon local customer operations manager. "Many customers have asked for these services, especially Caller ID."

Caller ID permits a customer to see who's calling before the phone is answered, using a display unit that is built in or attached to the phone. Caller ID shows when a friend or family member is calling and can deter harassing calls. The display unit also keeps a record of calls received.

Callers with unlisted phone numbers and others who wish to protect their privacy can prevent their numbers from showing on a Caller ID unit. This can be done on a per-call or "all-calls" basis. Those who want to block their numbers from all appearing on all calls must order that feature from Verizon. Both privacy options are free.

Other new advanced services include:

Anonymous Call Rejection: This service, which can be activated by Caller ID customers, blocks incoming calls when callers have prevented their phone number from being displayed on a Caller ID unit. Callers hear an announcement telling them their call will not go through unless they allow their number to be displayed.

Automatic Busy Redial: This service keeps trying a busy number for up to 30 minutes, eliminating the need for the caller to keep redialing the number. When the call can go through, the person trying to call is alerted with a special ring.

Automatic Call Return: Callers enter the code *69 on their phone and it automatically dials the number of the last call received, whether the call was answered or not.

Call Tracing: By entering *57 after a threatening or harassing call, the caller's number is captured by Verizon's phone equipment. If the customer reports the call to law enforcement, Verizon can provide the number to authorities investigating the incident. No subscription is required.

Call Block: This security feature rejects calls from up to 12 numbers chosen by the customer. The caller hears a recorded message when the call is not completed.

Special Call Acceptance: This allows a customer to select up to 12 phone numbers from which they want to receive calls. Callers that dial from a phone number not on the list will hear an announcement that the called party is not presently accepting calls.

Special Call Forwarding: Customers can use this customized call forwarding service to specify which calls (from as many as 12 different numbers) should be forwarded. Customers do not need to have regular Call Forwarding to subscribe to this service.

VIP Alert: This service identifies with a special ring those callers (up to 12 phone numbers) selected by a customer as "Very Important People."

Many of the call features are available at package discount rates. Features will be activated in the Enterprise, Imnaha, Lostine, Wallowa and Joseph exchanges beginning on October 23. These services may not be available to every customer. For more information, customers may call Verizon toll-free at 1-800-483-4000 (residential) or 1-800-483-5000 (business) or your Account Manager.

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.