Verizon Invests $1.2 Million to Better Serve Pittsburgh Area Customers

PITTSBURGH -- Verizon customers in portions of the Pittsburgh area now have improved communications as the result of a $1.2 million investment the company made in its Oakland call-switching centers here. Verizon has installed new equipment, including advanced power systems that enable the company to provide critical telecommunications services in the event of a commercial power disruption.

This equipment also allows Verizon to more efficiently monitor power systems and diagnose potential network power problems, thus increasing reliability in the Verizon network, and will support advanced telecommunications technologies. The company completed the project earlier this month.

In addition to this investment, Verizon continues build its new fiber-to-the-premises network in portions of Pennsylvania and 13 other states. Verizon is currently rolling out its FiOS (FYE'-ose) Internet service in a number of Pennsylvania communities.

"The Oakland project underlines Verizon's commitment to build and maintain a state-of-the-art telecommunications network throughout Pennsylvania," said James V. O'Rourke, president and CEO of Verizon Pennsylvania. "We continue to upgrade our infrastructure to provide rural, suburban and urban customers with better quality service, as well as the platform for high-speed access to the Internet, work-at-home capabilities and a host of other innovative services."

Verizon has invested more than $8 billion in its telecommunications network across the commonwealth over the last 10 years.

"We are building an advanced telecommunications network that will stimulate job and income growth and will make Pennsylvania one of the most attractive locations for corporations and individuals," O'Rourke said.

In addition to deploying the latest technology, Verizon Pennsylvania offers a complete range of telecommunications services, including local, regional and long-distance calling, as well as high-speed data and Internet and wireless services. The Verizon Freedom bundle of services offers the convenience of one bill and very attractive discounts for customers who subscribe to several Verizon services.

"The level of telecom competition in Pennsylvania today is unprecedented," said O'Rourke. "Competition and Verizon's entry into the long-distance market have benefited consumers, who now can choose from many providers for all their communications needs."

With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of more than 210,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 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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