Verizon Invests $830,000 To Better Serve Ocean City, Somers Point, N.J. Customers

OCEAN CITY, N.J. -- Verizon customers in Ocean City and Somers Point will have improved communications as the result of an $836,000 investment the company has made at two local call-switching centers.

Verizon has installed new power systems at its Ocean City facility and is deploying similar equipment at its Somers Point center. These systems provide power for digital equipment that supports high-speed, high-capacity services for businesses and DSL (digital subscriber line) high-speed Internet service. The power equipment also keeps the Verizon telecommunications network running in the event of a commercial power outage. The company completed the Ocean City project last month and expects to finish the Somers Point project in May.

In addition, 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 1.63 million fiber miles in New Jersey, enough to circle the earth more than 65 times.

"Verizon is the only telecommunications company in New Jersey committed to substantial levels of investment in information-age technology," said Dennis Bone, president of Verizon New Jersey. "Our capital investment over the past three years totals more than $3 billion. That is more than $2.5 million dollars a day that helps to jump-start New Jersey's economic engine and deliver information technology to consumers, entrepreneurs and competitors who use our network."

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."

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) 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 135.8 million access line equivalents and 32.5 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. With more than $67 billion in annual revenues and 229,500 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to more than 30 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

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