Verizon Online Introduces High-Speed Internet Access in Alloy, W. Va.

MONTGOMERY, W.Va. - Consumers and businesses in Alloy can enjoy the benefits of high-speed Internet access now that Verizon Online has introduced its digital subscriber line (DSL) service in that Fayette County community.

The new DSL service, offering a choice of Internet connection speeds to qualifying customers, is the result of the company's most recent upgrade to its local telecommunications switching center in Alloy.

"Making high-speed Internet service available to communities like Alloy makes them more attractive for businesses and individuals to locate and is an important step in our transformation from a telephone company to a full-service broadband communications provider," said H. Stan Cavendish, president of Verizon West Virginia. "With a choice of speeds and prices, qualified customers can choose the DSL tier that best meets their needs."

Verizon Online DSL with MSN Premium Consumer Offer

Qualified Verizon Online DSL customers can receive DSL service with a maximum connection speed of 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second) downstream and 384 Kbps (kilobits per second) upstream for just $29.95 a month when subscribing to an annual service plan or when purchasing the service as part of a package of Verizon local and long-distance calling services. Other customers will pay $34.95 a month for this service.

The company also offers a higher maximum connection speed of up to 3 Mbps downstream and 768 Kbps upstream for $39.95 a month with an annual service plan or as part of a package of Verizon calling services. Other customers who qualify for this plan will pay $44.95 a month.

Verizon Online DSL with MSN Premium service includes:

• Round-the-clock technical support
• MSN Premium software ($99 annual value) with parental controls, virus protection, pop-up guard and a variety of popular MSN services
• 9 e-mail accounts
• 10 MB (megabytes) of Web space
• A 30-day money-back guarantee

Qualified customers who subscribe to an annual DSL service plan will receive a free combination modem and router "home gateway," enabling them to share their DSL connection among multiple computers in their homes.

The gateway is available for $49.95 to qualifying customers purchasing DSL as part of a Verizon calling package, or for $99.95 for customers not in an annual DSL plan or a calling package. Calling package customers can opt for a free DSL modem, which costs $39.95 for customers who do not have such a package. Consumers can get more information about Verizon Online DSL, including service qualification, pricing and features, by visiting www.verizon.net or calling 1-800-PICK-DSL. New customers get their first month of service free when they order online.

Variety of DSL Packages Available for Businesses

Businesses can choose from a variety of DSL speeds and services tailored specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. Verizon Online offers business customers that want 3 Mbps service a choice of dynamic or static IP (Internet protocol) routing for $89.95 per month and $129.95 a month, respectively. Unlike dynamic DSL, a static IP address gives businesses a permanent IP address for hosting a Web site and an e-mail server, as well as providing virtual private network (VPN) applications for employees who work remotely.

In June, Verizon reduced the cost of its 1.5Mbps/384Kbps dynamic IP (Internet protocol) DSL for businesses to $59.95 from $89.95 and its static IP DSL to $79.95 from $119.95. Verizon Online DSL for businesses includes:

• 20 MB (megabytes) of Web space that can be used to create an online storefront
• Unlimited dial-up access
• Business-grade e-mail for employees (name@yourbusinessname.com)
• Business-grade technical support available round-the-clock
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• On-time guarantee

Business customers can receive a 20 percent discount on their DSL service if they combine high-speed Internet access with other Verizon services. Additional plans and pricing information are available at http://biz.verizon.net/pands/dsl/. Customers who sign up online receive one month of free service.

Technical Definitions

DSL service generally is available to homes and offices located within approximately three miles of Verizon's local switching center or "central office." Some technical limitations may interfere with the ability of individual telephone lines to get DSL, even when the lines are within three miles of a DSL-equipped central office.

Downstream and upstream speeds describing Verizon Online's DSL services are maximum connection speeds between the customer's computer and Verizon's DSL equipment. Actual connection speeds may vary from the maximum speeds and may be lower than the advertised line rate. Throughput (download and upload) speeds will be lower than connection speeds and vary based on the telephone line's condition and distance from Verizon's central office, home or office wiring and the server or router speed of sites visited on the Internet, among other factors. Service not available in all areas or on all telephone lines and subject to final confirmation of services by Verizon. The Verizon Online version of MSN Premium is not Macintosh compatible. Equipment may vary by locations. Actual speeds may vary. Speed and uninterrupted use of service not guaranteed.

Verizon Communications Inc.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. With a diverse work force of approximately 208,000, Verizon has four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband, nationwide long-distance and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 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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