New National Data Service Links Verizon Metro Ethernet Capabilities in Major U.S. Markets

NEW YORK - Verizon has launched a new national data transport service that enables customers to cost-effectively link local area networks (LANs) and seamlessly extend the capabilities of switched Ethernet. Dubbed National Transparent LAN Service (TLS), the offering employs the company's extensive local fiber facilities and newly completed national high-speed data network.

Part of Verizon's Enterprise Advance growth initiative, National TLS is a long-distance communications service that provides point-to-point connectivity between customer sites over a shared backbone infrastructure.

"Many customers have deployed Ethernet technology within their local area networks," said Edward F. McGuinness, senior vice president - marketing, Verizon Enterprise Solutions Group. "Now, rather than turn to another carrier to provide connectivity between metro areas and across LATA boundaries, these customers can stay with Verizon all the way - simplifying network architecture and management and lowering operating expenses."

Secure tunneling - a process that encrypts data for transport over the public Internet - helps protect the integrity and privacy of customer information. Verizon National TLS is ideal for customers who currently purchase metro Ethernet connectivity from Verizon because the company's new national network uses a technology called multiprotocol label switching. The technology allows existing hardware to be used at both customer sites, thus avoiding the need to purchase new equipment and easing implementation and management functions.

Enterprise Advance, launched in November 2002, is a Verizon initiative to deliver the advanced national communications products and services required by large business, government, education and health care customers. A major milestone was reached in April when Verizon announced the completion of the company's new national broadband network. Verizon expects Enterprise Advance to generate approximately $250 million in new revenue this year.

Available in 18 bandwidth options ranging from 10 megabits per second (Mbps) to 600 Mbps, Verizon National TLS enables customers to choose the level of service that best meets their requirements.

Verizon National TLS offers customers the ability to increase available bandwidth as new applications are deployed, and with "virtual provisioning," existing TLS customers often have their additional bandwidth in a matter of days.

Since the new service is best suited for customers with high-bandwidth requirements, Verizon is targeting National TLS in key vertical markets - government, finance, higher education and health care. The service easily supports high-speed data transfers between branch offices and headquarters or data centers, as well as typical LAN interconnection traffic, such as e-mail and Internet connectivity.

Verizon's new service is available now in select Northeast and mid-Atlantic areas and will expand through the summer to Verizon markets in the South and West, ultimately reaching 35 major markets across the United States.

The local version of the switched Ethernet service, Transparent LAN Service, is currently available in 56 major markets throughout Verizon's traditional service territory. The company's networks are comprised of approximately 10.5 million miles of fiber nationwide.

Verizon National TLS has earned Cisco Powered Network designation, demonstrating the company's ability to provide industry-leading services based on Cisco solutions.

Verizon Enterprise Solutions Group manages the design, operation and maintenance of end-to-end integrated network solutions for large business, government and education customers across the United States. With over 7,200 employees in 35 states, Verizon Enterprise Solutions Group offers a complete range of basic and advanced communications products and services to meet the voice, video, data and IP-related requirements of its customers. In addition, over 5,200 field operations personnel support enterprise customers nationwide. In the enterprise market, Verizon Select Services Inc. provides Verizon long-distance service. For more information on products and services available through Verizon Enterprise Solutions Group, visit www.verizon.com/enterprisesolutions.

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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