Great News for New Jersey Consumers: Verizon Increases Availability of Its TV Service by Nearly 60 Percent in State

NEWARK, N.J. - Consumers in 62 more New Jersey communities now have video choice, as Verizon announced Thursday (March 1) that it has expanded availability of its industry-leading FiOS television service by nearly 60 percent in the state.

The expansion comes as the result of the enthusiastic response to Verizon's launch of FiOS TV in New Jersey in January. Thousands of consumers are continuing to sign up each week for the service, provided on the nation's most advanced all-fiber-optic network.

"The response from consumers has been simply incredible," said William Foshay, Verizon's general manager for the New Jersey region.  "Verizon's FiOS TV will bring something to consumers they've never had before: incredible picture-and-sound clarity and innovative new services - all from a brand they know and trust."

Among the 62 additional communities:  ten communities in Essex County; East Brunswick, Old Bridge and South Brunswick in Middlesex County; and five more communities in Union County.   The expansion brings to 168 the number of New Jersey communities where Verizon's FiOS television and Internet services are now available.

"Our commitment is to bring these great, new products to as many communities and consumers in New Jersey as quickly as possible," said Foshay.  "Within the next couple of weeks, we expect to offer our FiOS products to more communities in New Jersey than Cablevision has served over the past three and a half decades."

In addition, in a filing with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Verizon said it's expanding its service territory from 316 to 344 communities.  The company plans to offer FiOS TV in more than 200 communities by the end of the year.

"This is a clear indication that streamlining New Jersey's antiquated video franchise laws was the right thing to do for consumers," said Dennis Bone, president of Verizon New Jersey.  "We're knocking down the barriers to competition, bringing our premier service to the marketplace -- and consumers will be the real winners."

Foshay said, "Every day more and more New Jersey consumers are signing up with Verizon and telling us they want to be a part of the fiber revolution. New customers tell us they love the service. It's the best.  Period."

Consumers can check online at www.verizon.com/fios to see if FiOS TV is already available in their area or to request that Verizon contact them when FiOS TV is available.  Consumers also can call their local Verizon sales office or 1-877-4-FIOS-TV (1-877-434-6788). 

Service Highlights

Verizon's FiOS TV Premier package delivers more than 200 all-digital channels for $42.99 per month.  New Jersey customers have access to 25 high-definition (HD) channels and 8,600 on-demand titles, 60 percent of which are free. In addition, numerous packages -- including video, broadband, voice and wireless services -- are now available in which consumers can see even more savings, while still benefiting from Verizon's proven track record of superior service and network reliability. In New Jersey, Verizon is now offering a FiOS bundle.  For $94.99 a month, consumers get the FiOS TV Premier package, 20 Mbps (megabits per second) FiOS Internet service and an unlimited voice calling plan.

Verizon offers three set-top boxes: standard definition for $4.99 per month; high definition, which includes HD channels, for $9.99 per month; and a dual-tuner, HD-capable digital video recorder for $12.99 per month.

Verizon also offers innovative features not available from other providers, such as Home Media DVR (digital video recorder) and FiOS TV Widgets.  Home Media DVR, at $19.99 per month, has a multiroom DVR feature enabling up to three simultaneous viewings of recorded programs without requiring customers to set up a complex home network or buy extra equipment.  Customers also can access photos and music on their PCs and play them on their TVs. 

In addition to New Jersey, Verizon currently offers FiOS TV in parts of California, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Maryland. 

Verizon's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network has industry-leading quality and reliability. Only this network has earned the certification of the independent Fiber to the Home Council for providing fiber all the way to customers' homes. It also delivers Internet download speeds of up to 50 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps as well as high-quality voice service.*

"Our all-fiber-optic upgrade is a complete transformation of Verizon's communications network," said Bone.  "We're offering consumers the very best services at competitive prices with Verizon's unmatched reliability and great customer service."

The value of FiOS TV extends to the installation and customer support.  Specially trained Verizon technicians will install the service and acquaint subscribers with FiOS TV features and services.  Verizon is waiving the installation fee for up to three existing TV outlets, and there is no charge to install a needed optical network terminal at the subscriber's home.  Charges for other installation services, such as additional outlets, may apply.  Verizon provides 24x7 technical assistance by phone from its specialized Fiber Solutions Centers.

* NOTE: actual (throughput) speeds will vary.

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 more than 59 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which operates one of the most expansive wholly owned global IP networks, and Verizon Telecom, which is deploying the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of approximately 242,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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