Verizon Business Extends and Deepens Global Ethernet Footprint in U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - Verizon Business, a premier provider of advanced global communications and information technology (IT) solutions, announced today that it has expanded the availability of its Ethernet access services in key cities in the United States, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

The expansion will enable large business and government customers to seamlessly link their offices - via an advanced, cost-effective high-speed data and voice network - not only locally and regionally, but nationally and globally as well. In addition, Verizon Business' Ethernet services will enable customers to more easily use Internet protocol (IP) applications, such as streaming media and distance-learning, at all of their company locations.

Customers have the option of using Ethernet services either as a stand-alone in the U.S. and Europe or as a means of quickly and easily accessing Private IP, Verizon Business' MPLS-based virtual private network (VPN) offering and its fastest-growing service, in the U.S., Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

"Verizon Business' focus is on ensuring that customers get a seamless delivery experience around the world," said Ed McGuinness, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Business. "Today's announcement is additional proof that we are delivering immediate benefits that fully support our customers' business transformation."

Business and government customers can now tap into the density of the Verizon footprint in key U.S. markets, including Boston; New York City; Dallas; Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles; Seattle; and Tampa, Fla. Ethernet access services are also available in new European locations, including: Belgium - Brussels; England - London; France - Lyon and Paris; Germany - Hilden and Frankfurt; Italy - Milan; Sweden - Stockholm; Switzerland - Zurich; and the Netherlands - Amsterdam.

Ethernet Access to Private IP

With this network expansion, Private IP customers can now more easily use Ethernet to access their Private IP networks around the world and benefit from Ethernet's familiarity, bandwidth flexibility and attractive economics. In addition to Verizon Business' U.S. and European Ethernet footprint, Private IP customers can now access their networks using Ethernet in the Asia-Pacific region in the following locations: Australia - Melbourne and Sydney; Hong Kong; Japan - Tokyo and Osaka; New Zealand - Auckland; South Korea - Seoul; and Taiwan - Taipei.

Underlying the Ethernet service is the interconnection of the Verizon Ethernet network with the company's Converged Packet Access (CPA) hub switches to deliver consistent Ethernet access to Private IP customers globally.

Global Ethernet Portfolio

Immediately available, Verizon Business' extended Ethernet portfolio includes Ethernet Private Line (EPL) and Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL), which provide service in 85 metro markets in the U.S. and in nine countries in Europe; E-LAN Services with 55 metro markets in the U.S.; E-Access for Private IP nationwide; and Internet Dedicated Services in 25 U.S. markets, nine countries in Europe and in six countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

In the coming months, Verizon Business will continue to invest in its Ethernet infrastructure and product portfolio with plans to broaden Ethernet access to Dedicated Internet Services from 25 markets to more than 60 markets nationwide. Verizon Business also plans to launch a Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS), a nationwide Ethernet-based Layer 2 VPN, in mid-2006.

Verizon Business' Ethernet portfolio will be available on the Verizon network via the company's direct fiber connections to buildings and in select locations outside the network. Unlike traditional data pricing models, Verizon Business' Ethernet Services are sold on a per megabit basis, so that customers only pay for what they need. Verizon Business supports its suite of Ethernet solutions with comprehensive service-level guarantees.

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large business and government customers worldwide. Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced technology and professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.

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