Verizon and DIRECTV in New Venture to Create a 'Triple Play' for Wholesale Customers

NEW YORK - Verizon and DIRECTV today announced an agreement that will enable Verizon wholesale customers to sell a package of voice, DSL and DIRECTV^® services that is designed to offer a superior and more value-oriented alternative to cable "triple play" offers. Under the agreement, telecom service providers that utilize Verizon's popular Wholesale Advantage voice service and selected high-speed data services can also receive DIRECTV service and sell all three services to consumers at a competitive price.

"The agreement demonstrates wholesale telephony's progress as an industry since the Federal Communications Commission allowed providers to enter into commercial agreements for many wholesale services last year," said David Small, president of Verizon Partner Solutions, the business unit that serves wholesale customers. "Verizon is dedicated to helping our wholesale customers compete with the cable industry's triple play. By joining with DIRECTV, the market-leader in digital satellite TV services, we add a strong video brand to our voice and DSL services for wholesalers, creating a powerful combination and an attractive triple play at a discount."

John Suranyi, president, DIRECTV sales and service, said, "The triple-play offer for wholesalers enables DIRECTV to reach a new segment of customers with an attractive array of services that will more effectively compete with the local cable provider. Consumers have been responding favorably to the superior choice, value and quality offered by the Verizon/DIRECTV service bundle, and we believe Verizon wholesalers will find they now have an offer that will invigorate their market."

Verizon expects to make the bundle available to wholesale customers in July. Wholesalers must buy Verizon's Wholesale Advantage voice services to qualify for the package discount. Terms of the agreement between Verizon and DIRECTV were not disclosed.

Verizon Partner Solutions sells networks and network capabilities to telecom service providers, including long-distance providers, local service providers, wireless carriers, integrators, Internet service providers and international telecommunications carriers based in the United States. Verizon Partner Solutions serves more than 3,000 customers at locations throughout the country.

DIRECTV, Inc. is the nation's leading digital television service provider with more than 15.4 million customers. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment. DIRECTV is approximately 38 percent owned by News Corporation.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million customers nationwide. Verizon Business operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks. Verizon Telecom is deploying the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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