Consumer TV Choice Buoyed by FCC Action Ending Cable's Exclusive Access Deals

WASHINGTON - In a unanimous decision today, the Federal Communications Commission prohibited all television service providers from entering into or enforcing exclusive access provisions that block competitors from serving apartments, condominiums or other private real estate developments.

"Millions of consumers live in apartments, condos or other private developments, and, until now, many of them have been denied the benefits of video competition as a result of exclusive access agreements used by cable providers to shield themselves from competition," said Susanne Guyer, Verizon senior vice president of federal regulatory affairs.  "The FCC decision will provide access to new competitive options for residents of these properties and encourages further deployment of broadband networks."

Verizon began offering television on its new, high-speed fiber-optic network in 2005.  As of September 30, the company was marketing FiOS TV service to about 4.7 million homes, with 717,000 TV customers.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 63.7 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of nearly 238,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

####