Verizon Launches Next-Generation Broadband Service for Small and Medium-sized Businesses on Oahu

HONOLULU - Small and medium-sized businesses in downtown Honolulu and Kaneohe can now send important data traffic through the network at a higher priority than other DSL (digital subscriber line) traffic by opting for Verizon's new Business SHDSL service.

Verizon Business SHDSL, enables Verizon to prioritize SHDSL data traffic during periods of high congestion, so business applications will get both the priority they need and higher speeds in both directions. Verizon is the first carrier in the United States to offer service at speeds up to 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second) in both directions, with quality of service comparable to high-end Internet services.

"With this new technology, small and medium-sized business customers who may be considering higher-end Internet access now have a more powerful alternative," said Anthony Price, vice president-business markets. "Business SHDSL also offers the type of performance standards and dependability usually reserved for very large data customers."

Verizon Business SHDSL is a premium data-only service, well-suited for businesses with local area networks (LANs) or multiple Internet users who depend on the Internet to access company resources and customers. Symmetric service supports business applications that require higher bandwidth, both upstream and downstream, such as hosting of servers, e-commerce, LAN-to-Internet connectivity and video conferencing. It offers businesses data service under the international standard for single-pair high-speed DSL, "g.SHDSL," a symmetrical offering popular in Europe.

Though it outperforms ADSL services, Verizon Business SHDSL's cost is very competitive. Prices range from $149.95 to $369.95 per month, according to speed, which ranges from 192 Kbps (kilobits per second) to 1.5 Mbps. The service also includes key elements small and medium-sized businesses require, including one static IP address, 15 business-grade email boxes, 20 megabytes of Web space, 20 hours of dial-up mobility access and DNS (domain name service) for up to five domains.

Verizon Business SHDSL is offered with a 30-day money-back guarantee and an on-time installation guarantee. Verizon's professional installation is available and includes installation of inside wire (if necessary), the jack and a router or bridge.

In addition, a unique business portal provides customers with access to e-mail wherever they can access the Internet, learning resources and industry-specific news.

"With the addition of Business SHDSL to the product line, Verizon offers a complete Internet access portfolio that can meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses as they grow and expand," said Price.

In addition to downtown Honolulu and Kaneohe, Verizon Business SHDSL is now available in select cities in California, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia. The service, which was launched last month, is also available in Washington, D.C., and will be available in other selected cities later this year. Business customers can learn more about the product by calling 1- 888-704-9635.

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 and 221,000 employees. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 137.6 million access line equivalents and 34.6 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is the third largest long-distance carrier for U.S. consumers, with 14.6 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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