Verizon Expands High-Speed Internet Access to More Pennsylvania Customers

PHILADELPHIA - More Verizon residential and business customers throughout Pennsylvania now can enjoy the benefits of high-speed Internet access, as the company expands the availability of Verizon Online digital subscriber line (DSL) service in their neighborhoods.

Most new broadband customers in the United States now choose fast, affordable DSL over cable Internet service for their broadband connection. More Pennsylvanians can now choose DSL, too, as Verizon has aggressively deployed DSL service in more than 60 locations since the beginning of this year to bring high-speed Internet access to more than 27,000 telephone lines in places like Bradford, Hawley, Mt. Union, Tobyhanna and Youngsville. The upgraded locations serve as few as 30 phone lines and as many as 1,000.

"Verizon is committed to bringing high-speed Internet service to all our Pennsylvania customers," said William B. Petersen, president of Verizon Pennsylvania. "Advances in broadband technology are allowing us to reach more customers in more places and ensuring that Pennsylvania, with one of the most advanced telecom networks in the country, is well-positioned for future growth and economic development."

Verizon has invested nearly $10 billion in its Pennsylvania network over the last decade. The company has consistently met or exceeded its broadband deployment commitments as outlined in a network modernization plan approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. DSL service now is available in 88 percent of Verizon Pennsylvania's call-switching centers and on 81 percent of the company's phone lines across the commonwealth.

Consumers can visit www.verizon.net to see if Verizon Online DSL is available at their home and to order service. Consumers who order an annual service plan online can take advantage of a current promotion by choosing a maximum connection speed of up to 3.0 Mbps (megabits per second) downstream and 768 Kbps (kilobits per second) upstream with the first month free, the second and third month for $21.95 per month, and $29.95 per month thereafter. Or, they can select a maximum connection speed of up to 768 Kbps downstream and 128 Kbps upstream with the first month free and just $14.95 per month thereafter when ordered online. Both plans include 24/7 technical support, a 30-day money-back guarantee, a choice of free Verizon Yahoo! or MSN Premium services, 9 e-mail accounts, 10 MB of personal Web space and a do-it-yourself installation kit.

Verizon also has a number of DSL plans that offer excellent value for business customers, with maximum connection speeds ranging from up to 768 Kbps/128 Kbps to up to 7.1 Mbps/768 Kbps. For more information on business DSL offerings, visit www22.verizon.com/content/BusinessDSL/.

According to a number of recent independent research studies, DSL is fast becoming the broadband connection of choice for U.S. consumers. The Leichtman Research Group reports that more than half of all new high-speed Internet customers chose DSL over cable modem service in 2005, and Forrester Research found that DSL sales and market share continue to climb, outpacing cable growth. The industry research firm reported that, in 2005, the nation's major DSL providers increased their customer base by 39 percent, nearly double the major cable providers' 21-percent increase in cable modem users.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a 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 53 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. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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