Upstate New York Areas Benefit Through Verizon's Network Investments for Region

Over Recent Two-Year Period More Than $886 Million in Network Investment in Upstate Expands Service Choices and Technologies

NEW YORK - Consumers and businesses in upstate areas of New York are getting more choices for their Internet access and television services as a result of Verizon's multimillion-dollar investment in these areas. 

As the company continues to build its all-fiber FiOS network in dozens of towns and villages in the western, central, northeast and mid-Hudson areas, Verizon is also making enhancements to its traditional network in upstate areas of New York to provide faster Internet speeds and greater access to broadband services.

To build and further enhance both its traditional copper telecommunications network and its all-fiber FiOS network, the company has invested a total of some $886 million upstate in 2007 and 2008.  Over the same two-year period, company spent about $2.7 billion overall on New York's telecommunications infrastructure statewide.  The company expects its spending to be in the same range for upstate and the state overall this year.

"In spite of challenging economic conditions, Verizon remains steadfast in its commitment to upstate New York," said Christopher Creager, president of Verizon's Northeast region.  "Our investments and the work of our union-represented employees in upstate mean more services and more choices to consumers and businesses.  From reliable voice services, to entry-level High Speed Internet over our copper network, to brilliant high-definition TV on our FiOS TV service, Verizon's spending in these services and technologies helps to keep our customers in upstate New York connected and in touch.

"Verizon's FiOS initiative, on top of a fully deployed fiber backbone network in the state, gives New York an advanced telecommunications network that puts it in the top echelon of states.  It also enables widespread economic development, and leads to further job creation in industries benefiting from state-of-the-art broadband technology," Creager said.

This year, the company is on track to provide FiOS TV services - in addition to currently available FiOS Internet services - to communities covering a wide swath of central New York.  In March, for example, the Town of Clay became the first municipality in that region to award a TV franchise to Verizon, enabling the company to offer FiOS TV service to the town's residents.  Work is continuing to build and install the necessary video equipment into local central offices in the region, and Verizon anticipates that FiOS TV service will be turned on for new customers in the town later this year.  Television franchise negotiations are underway with several other towns and villages in central New York.

Last year, Verizon began providing FiOS TV services - in addition to previously available FiOS Internet services - in 10 Buffalo-area communities, and continues this year to build out its all-fiber network in western New York.  By providing competition there, consumers have begun to experience lower prices and greater value for their TV and Internet services.

Through the introduction of FiOS services in the state, Verizon has spurred job creation.  For instance, the company opened a Fiber Solutions Center in Syracuse in 2005, starting with about 150 union-represented employees.  Last year the center expanded, and now employs about 400.  Representatives at the center assist Verizon FiOS customers across the state and other areas, providing answers to questions on ordering, billing, adding services and more.  Help-desk technicians provide over-the-phone and "chat" assistance on technical issues and questions from FiOS Internet and TV customers.

In its traditional copper-based network, Verizon has made its 7-megabits-per-second High Speed Internet service available to some 428,000 households in the upstate and midstate areas.  Verizon also provides a valuable and reliable triple-play bundle of voice, Internet and television services in these areas and across the state.

"Our investments are paying off for our customers and the state in terms of better service and more choices," said Creager.  "As New York's leading telecommunications, Internet and entertainment company, Verizon is driving growth and innovation through investments in its rock-solid networks across the state."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 86 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations provide converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  Wireline also includes Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 237,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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