Verizon Invites California Customers to Cut the Cable and Integrate Calling, Internet and DIRECTV Programming

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - The best value in voice, broadband Internet access and digital TV programming has arrived in California, giving Verizon customers an opportunity to save money and cut away from their cable company forever.

Starting today, exclusively in Verizon Plus stores, Verizon customers in California who combine a new DIRECTV^® programming package with local, regional and long-distance calling services, and who also get their Internet access from Verizon Online, will save up to $370 a year - compared with purchasing the same or equivalent Verizon services at individual, standard rates.

Verizon customers can select various combinations of local, regional toll and long-distance calling as well as dial-up or high-speed Internet access, adding discounts progressively. The more services customers buy in the bundle, the bigger the discount compared with the price of the same services sold separately. Initially, customers will receive the respective discounts on their Verizon and DIRECTV billing statements. Verizon and DIRECTV expect to have coordinated billing later this year on a single Verizon bill. Verizon's bundled price for unlimited calling, Internet access and digital television entertainment via a single DIRECTV set-top box will generally beat by more than $5 a month the prices of the major cable companies that provide voice, Internet and video services.

In addition, DIRECTV's current national promotion for new customers offers a discount of an additional $10 a month for six months on TOTAL CHOICE^® programming packages purchased by July 17.

These bundled offers, including a free three-room DIRECTV system and standard installation for new DIRECTV customers, are available only through Verizon Plus Stores in California. Customers must either visit the stores in person or call 1-877-TRY-PLUS.

"Now, California customers have a clear choice for digital TV programming, voice and data communications," said Bob Ingalls, president of Verizon's Retail Markets Group. "With Verizon they get convenient one-stop shopping from a brand name that consumers know and trust for their most important communications, and they can get a great deal at the same time.

"Sales of the package in the Northeast, Florida and Texas have been successful and are exceeding our expectations," he said. "Customers clearly perceive the value of our new bundle and are affirming our strategy. We are confident Californians will be taking advantage of the offer as well."

Steve Cox, executive vice president of sales, distribution and customer acquisition for DIRECTV Inc., said, "By leveraging the strength of both brands along with our combined, compelling array of voice, video and data services, we offer consumers in Verizon service territories a package that is hands down a superior value and alternative to cable."

Customized Packages an Option

Verizon has a strategic marketing agreement with California-based DIRECTV. Service was first offered in Rhode Island in February and progressively became available in New York and New England, as well as Verizon Plus Stores in Texas and Florida in March. Verizon's Freedom with DSL and DIRECTV bundle includes unlimited nationwide calling and high-speed DSL and over 130 top entertainment channels including local channels in a package comparable to those offered by some cable TV competitors, but at a lower price.

In addition to California, Verizon's new bundle of services and digital video is now available in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, Texas and Florida. Verizon will roll out similar bundles soon in the Northwest, the Great Lakes area and Mid-Atlantic States later this year.

In addition to the variety of calling and Internet services available from Verizon, customers will have the ability to purchase a full complement of DIRECTV services, including access to more than 225 channels; the wide selection of sports subscriptions like the NFL SUNDAY TICKET^TM; DIRECTV digital video recording technology; several channels of high-definition programming; and DIRECTV-delivered local channels in all major markets.

The Verizon Plus stores are full-service retail outlets where customers can purchase telephone equipment, wired and wireless services or pay home phone and Verizon Wireless bills.

"In California, our retail sites are a great vehicle for delivering the new DIRECTV bundle to our customers," said Phil Brown, vice president of specialty sales for Verizon. "Our Verizon Plus staff can discuss and place orders right in the store or over the phone, demonstrating our versatility in supporting customers."

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Robert Mercer, DIRECTV, 310-726-4683
Christy Reap , Verizon, 703-351-3114
Mike Murray, Verizon, 562-435-9594

About DIRECTV

DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital multichannel television service provider with more than 12.2 million customers. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (NYSE: DTV). The DIRECTV Group is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment, broadband satellite networks and services, and global video and data broadcasting. The DIRECTV Group is 34 percent owned by Fox Entertainment Group, which is approximately 82 percent owned by News Corporation Ltd.

The NFL SUNDAY TICKET is a registered trademark of the National Football League and its affiliates.

About Verizon

A Dow 30 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $68 billion in annual revenues. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States. Verizon 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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