Verizon Landline Network Continues to Function in Wake of Hurricane Ike's Trek Through Midwest

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Verizon's landline telecommunications network continues to function despite widespread power outages caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ike, which moved through the Midwest earlier this week.

Overall, Verizon's landline telecommunications network in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio has held up well throughout the storm, and many of the company's customers that have corded, landline phones can use them in many areas without commercial power.

"Customers' landline service can be their lifeline during times like this, and Verizon is doing what it can to help people make the connections that are important to them," said Michael P. O'Keefe, vice president of customer operations for Verizon's Central region. 

The company has begun assessing damage to its facilities across the Midwest - such as downed wires and poles - and has begun restoration efforts.

Backup generators and batteries are powering many Verizon facilities where commercial power is lost, ensuring that customers still are receiving phone service even though the power may be out. 

People who use a cordless home phone, cable phone service or voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) connection over broadband will most likely lose service when the power fails. 

"Corded phones remain the most reliable way to maintain communications during severe weather because Verizon has always worked to ensure our landline network continues to provide unparalleled reliability," said O'Keefe. 

In addition, contributions that Verizon employees make for disaster relief efforts will be matched 1-to-1, up to $1,000 per employee, by the Verizon Foundation. Employees can direct their donations to various nonprofit organizations that are providing aid in the areas affected by Ike.

Residential and small-business customers with five lines or fewer should call 800-483-1000 to request a repair.  Businesses with more than five lines should call 800-483-2000.  Verizon will offer to forward calls from the non-working number to another phone number that is working, at no charge.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, 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 nearly 69 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 228,600 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

####