Verizon Adds Audio Conferencing Services to Its Discounted SIA Service Package

NEW YORK - Securities Industry Association (SIA) members can now add discounted audio conferencing services to the package of services available from Verizon through a strategic long-distance agreement with the SIA.

"The addition of teleconferencing to the Verizon VIP (volume incentive package) lineup of discounted services is just the most recent enhancement to the services that SIA offers its member firms," said SIA Executive Vice President Donald Kittell. "Verizon continues to partner with us to ensure that our firms are offered top-quality services at the best possible prices."

In 2003, SIA chose Verizon as the association's preferred long-distance provider. Under that agreement, SIA members receive volume-based incentive discounts on long-distance voice, private line, ATM and frame relay services they purchase from Verizon. Audio conferencing services have been added to the incentive plan, allowing SIA members to receive a discount on Verizon's standard rates for audio conferencing services.

According to John Kearney, executive director of finance marketing for Verizon Enterprise Solutions Group, the strategic alliance with SIA brings great benefits to SIA members. "Together, we've developed a uniquely tailored program that's intended to fit everyone's goals," he said. "Our audio conferencing service gives SIA members great flexibility whether they want a spur-of-the-moment call, one-time call or regular calls with the need for special security. Our goal with this program is to deliver the ultimate customer experience within the industry."

The conferencing solution offers a full suite of innovative conferencing products that help make communications more productive, cost-efficient and secure. Customers receive superior service backed with round-the-clock assistance. This superior customer service, coupled with leading edge technology, allows Verizon to meet its customers' remote-meeting needs.

Securities Industry Association

The Securities Industry Association brings together the shared interests of nearly 600 securities firms to accomplish common goals. SIA's primary mission is to build and maintain public trust and confidence in the securities markets. At its core: Commitment to Clarity, a commitment to openness and understanding as the guiding principles for all interactions between investors and the firms that serve them. SIA members (including investment banks, broker-dealers, and mutual fund companies) are active in all U.S. and foreign markets and in all phases of corporate and public finance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. securities industry employs nearly 800,000 individuals, and its personnel manage the accounts of nearly 93-million investors directly and indirectly through corporate, thrift, and pension plans. In 2004, the industry generated an estimated $227.5 billion in domestic revenue and $305 billion in global revenues. (More information about SIA is available at: www.sia.com.)

Verizon Communications Inc.

With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of 212,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom provides customers based in 28 states with wireline and other telecommunications services, including broadband. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 45.5 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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