Ho-ho-ho! Verizon's Calling: Phone, Internet and DIRECTV Package, Like Santa's Sleigh, Heaped With Holiday Joy

NEW YORK -- Call it the Santa Claus option or just one-stop shopping, but Verizon's bundle of  unlimited any-distance calling, high-speed Internet service and DIRECTV all-digital entertainment service from Verizon is a big holiday hit.  It's also certain to help consumers get the most joy from the season by helping them to avoid the following typical holiday problems:

• Company's coming and you don't want to be running back and forth to the CD player to keep the festive background music going.

• That new HD TV you're getting the family has a huge appetite for programming, and you really want to show off the great picture.
• All those relatives to call, and they're so far away!
• Streaming to the PC the network television holiday special that aired last night and that you missed because you were out shopping.

Solution: Verizon's package of calling, Internet and DIRECTV® service available from Verizon.  Verizon's bundles of reliable phone service, dynamic high-speed Internet service and DIRECTV service from Verizon are a proven and popular alternative to similar bundles pushed by cable TV companies.  And to top it off, Verizon's bundle prices beat cable's non-promotional rates that kick in after a few months, and Verizon frequently undercuts cable's best promotional deals, as well.

The solution to problem No.1 is the four channels of all-holiday music served up on XM Satellite Radio channels, the music service that comes with all DIRECTV programming packages.

Starting Friday (Nov. 24) XM Radio is converting four commercial-free music channels to holiday formats – contemporary, country Christmas, classical Christmas and comedy.

• U-Pop Channel 824 becomes Holly and will serve up contemporary holiday hits and selected traditional holiday favorites.

• U.S. Country Channel 809 converts to A Nashville Christmas, with contemporary holiday hits from country music's biggest superstars.
• XM Pops Channel 866 changes to A Classical Christmas, delivering carols and seasonal classics by the greatest classical musicians of all time.
• Special X Channel 848 serves up the lighter side of the holidays, with comedy, parodies and seasonal fun.

DIRECTV began offering XM Radio as its all-digital music service last year, feeding up to 67 channels free to its subscribers.  The holiday music will play continuously on the four channels through Dec. 25.

If there's a new HD TV in the house, DIRECTV from Verizon offers both high-definition and other all-digital channels, which are certain to maximize the fun of the holiday specials and the New Year's football games.

Verizon customers who select DIRECTV'S TOTAL CHOICE® package and who also get their calling and broadband service from Verizon can receive additional discounts of up to $6 off their monthly Verizon bill.  TOTAL CHOICE PLUS delivers more than 185 channels of all-digital quality programming, plus the 67 channels of XM Radio.

And to maximize the viewing experience, DIRECTV's HD package includes ESPN HD, Discovery HD Theatre™, HDNet, HDNet Movies, TNT and Universal HD for $9.99 per month.  DIRECTV also offers local broadcast networks in HD in select markets, and more sports programming in HD than any other provider. 

As for problem No. 3, calling Aunt Betty and Grandma Tillie and all the cousins and friends, Verizon's unlimited any-distance Freedom calling plans have the costs covered.  The most popular calling plan, Verizon Freedom Essentials, offers unlimited domestic calling and calling to U.S. territories for between less than $40 and less than $49 per month, depending on location.  The calling plan includes the three most popular calling features -- home voice mail, call waiting and caller ID.  Other plans include various combinations of features.

Finally, here's how to solve the need for a high-speed link to everything from e-mail to movies.  Verizon offers broadband speeds from 768 kilobits per second all the way up to an astounding 50 megabits per second at prices ranging from under $20 to less than $90 per month in some areas for the fastest FiOS Internet Service.

Verizon's all-fiber-optic network in parts of 16 states is the only network of its kind that uses fiber all the way to the home to deliver the best in voice, data and video services. Verizon's traditional network sets a world standard for quality and reliability unmatched by cable TV.

Verizon's broadband services make it possible to download an MP3 music file in about a minute at the slowest speed and less than a second at the highest speed, or a full-length movie in less than 11 minutes at the popular 15 megabit-per-second FiOS speed.

All of these solutions, combined to give the speed and features customers want, are available by calling Verizon at the number on the phone bill, or online at http://www22.verizon.com/foryourhome/sas/sas_alliwant_generic.aspx.  For online pricing, consumers just need to enter their phone number or location.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a New York-based Dow 30 company, 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 nearly 57 million customers nationwide.  Verizon Business operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks.  Verizon Telecom is deploying the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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