Verizon Broadband Service Scores Win in 2009 PCMag.com Readers' Survey for Internet Service Providers

PCMag.com readers are again giving high praise to Verizon's fast, reliable and value-packed FiOS Internet service.

For the fourth consecutive year, the online magazine's Readers' Choice award goes to Verizon FiOS Internet - and it's the third consecutive year that FiOS has finished at the top of the Web site's annual Internet Service Provider (ISP) Service and Reliability Survey (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2352806,00.asp).

In recapping the survey, PCMag.com states: "Obviously, if you want the very best experience you can have going online, you want fiber to the home.  FiOS's score always puts other connection methods to shame.  If you can get that super-speed hook-up, you'll fall in love with the Internet all over again."

FiOS Internet scored 8.7 out of 10 in its overall rating - well above its closest cable rival.  It also led all competitors in scores for initial setup, speed, reliability, e-mail, technical support, repairs and likelihood to recommend. 

In addition to the Readers' Choice Award, Verizon FiOS grabbed its fourth consecutive top rating in the category for Internet speed, and its third consecutive win in the category for reliability.

Notably, Verizon's FiOS Internet topped all cable companies when it came to needing the fewest repairs. Of the survey's respondents with FiOS Internet service, 10 percent reported they needed repairs.  By contrast, from 22 percent to 28 percent of the respondents with Internet service from the five major cable companies reported they needed repairs. This category of the survey reflects product reliability and durability.

"When it comes to overall service, reliability and value, Verizon broadband is the smart choice over old-fashioned cable," said Michael Ritter, Verizon chief marketing officer for consumer wireline and business services.  "We're thrilled to see the high ratings that PCMag.com's broadband-savvy readers have given our FiOS Internet service.  From installation to product development to customer service and beyond, everyone at Verizon is focused on continuing to earn these kinds of accolades by delivering superior online experiences and backing them with excellent service."

The survey, conducted between June 15 and July 17, asked PCMag readers to rate their ISPs in 11 categories ranging from speed and reliability to initial setup and overall satisfaction. 

Verizon FiOS Internet, which is available to 11.5 million homes and businesses in the U.S., provides consumers with download speeds of up to 50 Mbps (megabits per second) and the fastest upload available anywhere, with speeds up to 20 Mbps.  Verizon also offers its Verizon High Speed Internet broadband service to millions of customers in parts of 24 states and the District of Columbia. Unlike cable, Verizon delivers ultra-high-speed broadband over the nation's most advanced, all-fiber-optic network straight to customers' homes and businesses.

FiOS Internet and Verizon High Speed Internet also provide a gateway to other valuable Verizon services, including free Wi-Fi connections for qualifying customers, Verizon Internet Security Suite, Verizon Online Backup & Sharing and Premium Technical Support.

For more information about service offerings and availability, visit www.verizon.com or call 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966).

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 87 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 235,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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