Verizon Adds Small but Mighty Multi-Port Gateway to Business Portfolio

NEW YORK - Verizon's new small-business gateway lowers the cost and simplifies the complexity of connecting multiple personal computers over its business DSL service. Small but powerful, the DSL Gateway integrates the DSL modem with a four-port router and offers both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity to the Internet.

"Our business DSL customers will find this a simple and easy approach to networking multiple computers," said Michael Lanier, director-business broadband marketing. "Many small businesses have little or no tech support, so using the DSL Gateway makes hooking up an entire small office easy. At the same time, small businesses can increase workplace flexibility and security, all for less than $150."

Verizon is offering business customers the DSL Gateway as a new networking option with its Business DSL service. Perfect for small businesses with multiple computers, it merges the router and modem capabilities into one small device. This simplifies configuration (there is only one device to configure and maintain) and is cost effective (at $149.95, the Verizon Business DSL Gateway solution is generally less expensive than a typical two-box solution of a separate modem and router).

Verizon Business DSL customers will have added flexibility in how their computers are networked. The Westell Veralink ADSL Gateway device offers Internet connectivity for up to four computers either through a direct Ethernet connection or wirelessly using 802.11g technology. For customers who wish to connect via Wi-Fi to the Internet in conjunction with the DSL Gateway, Verizon offers two optional wireless 802.11g adapters at an additional cost:

• USB for desktop or laptop PCs at $49.95 each
• PCMCIA for laptops at $49.95 each

In addition to providing integrated modem and router functionality, the DSL Gateway helps protect a company's information. The device includes firewall capabilities with low, medium and high settings.

Small businesses with multiple workstations can contact Verizon on 888-649-9500 or visit online at www.verizon.com/businessdsl.

Verizon Business DSL Service is provided by Verizon Online and requires a one-year contract.

Verizon's broadband business services earned top scores in the J. D. Power and Associates 2004 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Services Study^sm. In the broadband data segment, Verizon's business broadband services ranked highest overall, with highest scores in three areas: performance and reliability, billing, and sales team performance. According to J. D. Power and Associates, the 2004 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Services Study is based on responses from more than 4,700 U.S. businesses of all sizes (from two to more than 500 employees) and evaluates their data and voice service providers. For more information on the study, visit jdpower.com or the J.D. Power and Associates press release at: www.jdpower.com/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2004141.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. With a diverse work force of approximately 208,000, Verizon has four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband, nationwide long-distance and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 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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DSL service generally is available to homes and offices located within approximately three miles of Verizon's local switching center or "central office." Some technical limitations may interfere with the ability of individual telephone lines to get DSL, even when the lines are within three miles of a DSL-equipped central office.

*Downstream and upstream speeds describing Verizon Online's services are maximum connection speeds between the customer's computer and Verizon's DSL equipment. Actual connection speeds may vary from the maximum speeds and may be lower than the advertised line rate. Throughput (download and upload) speeds will be lower than connection speeds and vary based on the telephone line's condition and distance from Verizon's central office, home or office wiring and the server or router speed of sites visited on the Internet, among other factors.