Verizon and Vector Security Form Alliance to Bundle Home Networking Solutions and Security Products

BELTSVILLE / LANDOVER, Md. - Verizon Connected Solutions, a subsidiary of Verizon Communications, and Vector Security have forged a first of its kind alliance that will enable builders to offer a package of state-of-the-art home networking infrastructure and security products in their new homes.
The alliance will enable builders and homebuyers to incorporate Verizon's home networking innovations, sold as "Verizon Ready," and a fully integrated Vector security system from the beginning of the home's design.

The Verizon Ready package is a flexible and expandable home network that is superior to the basic telephone and cable wiring found in most homes today. The Verizon Ready system supports DSL (digital subscriber line) service, satellite TV, in-home computer networks, home theater, closed-circuit TV and intercom systems.

"This alliance simplifies the decision making process for new homebuyers," said John Murphy, president of Vector Security. "As more and more homes are equipped with a variety of new services designed to keep the family safe, entertained and connected, we expect homeowners will prefer the ease of getting them all from one source."

Under the agreement, Vector and Verizon Connected Solutions will jointly market Verizon Ready and Vector's security services to builders, allowing them to purchase security systems at the same time they buy and install Verizon Ready.

Most major homebuilders in Verizon Connected Solutions' current service territory install Verizon Ready as a standard package in their homes. Now builders can include security systems as part of that package.

Vector Security is the nation's eighth largest electronic security systems company and currently ranks as the industry's second fastest growing service provider. The company's Builders Services Division is an active competitor in select residential new construction markets throughout the Mid-Atlantic states.

"The alliance allows us to combine complementary products into a superior consumer offering that meets the needs of today's market," said Dan Bubniak, Vector Builder Services Division vice president.

"This alliance positions us to become the home building industry's one-stop shop for complete home networking infrastructure and wiring services," said Robert Burich, president of Verizon Connected Solutions. "Security is an important issue for the broadband and home networking market and the Vector products round out the Verizon Ready suite of product offerings."

Verizon Ready allows for faster Internet access and networking computers so that data files, fax lines, modems and printers can be shared. The heart of the Verizon Ready system is a central, upgradeable gateway hub. This gateway links the network of high-speed data lines to meet today's technology demands for high-speed Internet connections, satellite TV, in-home computer networks and other systems for the home.

With Verizon Ready, programs from a single VCR, DVD, satellite dish or cable station can be distributed to any TV in the house. Music and other stereo signals can be sent from room to room over the system's high-capacity data wires. Parents can monitor the baby's room or check who is at the front door from any TV in the house.

"Verizon Connected Solutions offers quality service delivery, a highly skilled technician workforce, ISO 9001 certified installation and service and a commitment to world class customer satisfaction," Burich said.

Headquartered in Beltsville, Md., Verizon Connected Solutions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Verizon Communications. With a workforce of nearly 3,000

technicians, Verizon Connected Solutions performs some 2.5 million telephony and premises communications jobs per year, making it the largest provider of premises communications infrastructure in the nation.

The company specializes in the design and installation of premises communications products and services for voice, data, video and audio applications for home offices home networks, LAN networks, WAN networks, ISDN, ADSL, home entertainment, digital video and interactive multi-media services.

Verizon Connected Solutions is an ISO 9001 certified company committed to providing quality products and services. For more information, visit www.verizon.com under "Home & Family" or call 1-888-947-3782 (1-888-WIRE-SVC).

About Vector

Vector Security ranks as the nation's eighth largest electronic security systems provider. The company operates 24 branch office locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic States. Recognized as the industry's second fastest growing electronic security systems provider, Vector Security is a privately held corporation owned and operated by the Philadelphia Contributionship. The Contributionship is the nation's oldest fire insurance company founded in Philadelphia PA by Benjamin Franklin in 1752. Three of the company's founders were actual signers of the Declaration Of Independence including Ben Franklin, John Morton & Robert Morris. You can access Vector Security's web site at www.vectorsecurity.com

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), formed by the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE, is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with more than 101 million access line equivalents and more than 26 million wireless customers. A Fortune 10 company with more than 260,000 employees and approximately $60 billion in 1999 revenues, Verizon's global presence extends to 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

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