Verizon Invests $1 Million to Better Serve Moorestown, N.J. Customers

MOORESTOWN, N.J. - Verizon customers in this city and nearby communities now have improved communications as the result of a $1,023,000 investment the company made in its local call-switching center. Verizon has installed advanced power systems that enable the company to provide critical telecommunications services in the event of commercial power disruptions, such as those that occurred during Hurricane Isabel and the Northeast blackout.

The new equipment also allows Verizon to more efficiently monitor power systems and diagnose potential network power problems. In addition, the equipment supports high-speed, high-capacity services for business and DSL (digital subscriber line) Internet service.

The Moorestown call-switching center also serves customers in Mount Laurel and Maple Shade.

"Verizon's investment in power systems is critical to supplying dial tone and other customer services in an emergency," said Dennis Bone, president of Verizon New Jersey. "During the recent hurricane and blackout, all of Verizon's New Jersey call-switching centers converted automatically to our backup power systems. As a result, our customers' phones kept working."

In addition to the Moorestown project, Verizon continues to install fiber-optic cable and other advanced telecommunications equipment throughout the Garden State. At the end of 2002, the company had deployed 1.69 million fiber miles in New Jersey, enough to circle the earth more than 65 times.

The company also invests in advanced technology to help conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase the security and reliability of Verizon's telecommunications network from Weehawken to Wildwood. Verizon is working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to save energy and protect the environment.

"Our investment in the Verizon network is a clear expression of confidence in New Jersey at a time when capital commitments to foster economic growth, improve education and attract new businesses are more important than ever," Bone said.

In addition to deploying the latest technology, Verizon has spent tens of millions of dollars to open New Jersey's local telephone market to competition.

"Verizon has a long history of investment in this state and service to our customers and communities," Bone said. "We will continue to play a vital role in New Jersey's future, just as we have for more than a century."

A Fortune 10 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $67 billion in revenues. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with more than 139 million access line equivalents and 36 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is the third largest long-distance carrier for U.S. consumers, with nearly 16 million long-distance lines. The company is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. Verizon's international presence includes wireline and wireless communications operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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