Ensign Telecom Bill Will Promote Consumer Choice, Recognize Vast Changes in Marketplace

WASHINGTON - Senator John Ensign (R-NV) today introduced legislation proposing a comprehensive update of the nation's telecommunications laws, which, if passed, will benefit consumers and address the numerous changes in technology over the past decade. The following statement can be attributed to Peter B. Davidson, Verizon senior vice president for federal government relations:

"We applaud Senator Ensign for introducing legislation to bring our communications laws into the 21st century. The Ensign bill puts consumers first by enabling people to choose from the expanding array of choices made possible by changes in technology and the marketplace. This bill recognizes that the world has changed and consumer driven markets work better than those managed by the government.

"We look forward to working with Senator Ensign, Chairman Stevens and Ranking Member Inouye as the Senate considers telecommunications reform legislation in the months ahead."

Verizon Communications Inc.

With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of more than 214,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom provides customers based in 28 states with wireline and other telecommunications services, including broadband. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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