Verizon Deploys Fiber Optics, Electronics, Bringing Additional Technology, Services To Newark, Middletown Areas

NEWARK, Del. -- Verizon Communications has invested more than $1.4 million to expand and modernize its local telephone network in the Newark and Middletown areas of New Castle County. This is one of the company's largest capital commitments in Delaware this year.

Verizon recently installed about 20 miles of fiber-optic cable and electronic equipment between its Newark and Middletown telephone offices, providing increased bandwidth and reliability for residence and business customers in one of the state's fastest-growing areas. The aerial and underground cables containing 432 fibers serve local financial and communications companies, industrial parks and the University of Delaware. Fiber-optic systems use hair-thin glass strands and digital technology to deliver high quality telephone services as well as high-speed/high-capacity voice and data services.

"Our mission is ensuring that Delaware's citizens have full access to the opportunities of the new economy," said Joshua W. Martin III, president of Verizon Delaware. "Verizon is committed to building a telecommunications network that is second to none, and to deliver the benefits of advanced technology to everyone."

Martin said Verizon has accelerated its investment in telecommunications infrastructure throughout the First State:

• Investment in the company's Delaware network since 1995 exceeds $400 million.

• Miles of fiber in the state increased by 43 percent from 88,827 miles in 1999 to more than 127,000 miles today.

• The company has deployed 68 SONET (Synchronous Optical Network) rings in its Delaware network this year. SONET rings provide multiple choices of high-speed voice and data services and are self-healing, automatically rerouting telecommunications transmissions in the event of a service disruption.

• Verizon Online's DSL service was launched in Delaware in January 2000. DSL is a high-speed connection to the Internet that enables users to surf the World Wide Web at speeds much faster than today's fastest analog modems. Today, more than 70,000 Delaware households are able to get Verizon Online DSL.

"Telecommunications-intensive information and service sectors have driven Delaware's economy in recent years and are predicted to increase in importance," Martin said. "Verizon's investment in telecommunications infrastructure will enhance Delaware's ability to stimulate economic growth, attract new jobs and businesses and provide the opportunity to shape our state's future in the 21st century."

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.

####