Verizon's 2001 Network Investment Strengthens First State Infrastructure

DOVER, Del. -- Delaware consumers and businesses continue to benefit from one of the nation's most advanced telecommunications networks, thanks to Verizon's aggressive network investment program in the state.

The company spent about $84 million this year to expand and modernize its telecommunications infrastructure serving the First State.

"Because of Verizon's investment in Delaware, a broadband, fiber-optic network now serves every corner of the state - from Rockland to Rehoboth," said Joshua W. Martin III, president of Verizon Delaware. "The ability to build, enhance and maintain complex networks is at the very heart of our business.

"We have played a key role in Delaware's economic development for more than a century, and we intend to be a part of Delaware's telecommunications future in the 21^st century and beyond," Martin said.

Verizon's capital investment this year was used primarily to expand the company's fiber-optic facilities and increase the capacity and reliability of several of the company's switching centers. Verizon Delaware's switching centers throughout the state already use the latest digital switching technology to route calls to their destinations.

Verizon added more than 18,000 miles of fiber-optic cable in Delawarein 2001, bringing the state's overall fiber-optic network to nearly 116,000 miles -- or enough to circle the earth four and one-half times. Fiber-optic systems use laser-generated light pulses and digital technology to provide greater capacity, higher transmission speeds and better quality for data, video and voice transmitted over the network.

In 2001, Verizon also:

• Added 80 SONET (synchronous optical network) rings to Delaware's network, bringing the total to 360. SONET rings provide multiple routes for high-speed voice and data services and are self-healing, automatically rerouting telecommunications transmissions in the event of a service disruption.

• Expanded the availability of Verizon On-Line DSL (digital subscriber line), its high-speed Internet access service to nearly 300,000 phone lines, more than half of the lines Verizon serves in Delaware.

• Provided schools and other charitable organizations thoughout Delaware with more than $600,000 in grants and aid contributions from Verizon Foundation.

Early next year, Verizon Delaware expects to notify the Delaware Public Service Commission that it will ask for federal permission to offer long-distance service in Delaware. Verizon has been successful in gaining approval from the Federal Communications Commission to enter the long-distance market in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The company is awaiting regulatory clearance in several other states.

"Verizon is the only telecommunications company committed to significant investment in Delaware's future," Martin said. "Delaware's network is open and available to residents and businesses as well as our competitors. We welcome competition in the local marketplace, and any company that sincerely wants to compete here can do so."

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 128.5 million access line equivalents and 28.7 million wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. A Fortune 10 company with 256,000 employees and approximately $65 billion in annual revenues, Verizon's global presence extends to more than 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

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