Verizon Business Named to the Leaders Quadrant for U.S. Network Service Providers Magic Quadrant

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - Verizon Business today announced it has been named by leading industry analyst firm Gartner Inc. to the leaders quadrant of Gartner's report, "1H06 U.S. Network Service Providers (NSP) Magic Quadrant." *

In the report, Gartner selected leading network service providers - defined as the United States wireline voice and data communications market - based on the providers' ability to execute and completeness of vision. Gartner noted that evaluation criteria for ability to execute continues to emphasize service quality, pricing and corporate viability, and that as "enterprises rely more heavily on increasingly complex networks, the requirements for operational excellence also become more complex."

Ed McGuinness, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of Verizon Business, said, "We believe our position in the Leaders Quadrant further confirms our network service provider strength, IP expertise and customer-centric approach, especially in understanding the needs of customers. Verizon Business is well positioned to help customers around the globe use advanced technology to achieve their business goals."

Verizon Business is helping enterprises operate more effectively and efficiently. Founded on a legacy of innovation and professional expertise to better serve customers, Verizon Business owns and operates a secure global IP network and offers one of the most comprehensive IP product and service portfolios available. Verizon Business enables customers to take advantage of the transforming communications landscape to get closer to their customers around the world.

* Gartner Research "Magic Quadrant for U.S. Network Service Providers, 1H06" by J. Pultz, D. Neil. May 11, 2006

About the Magic Quadrant

Magic Quadrant for U.S. Network Service Providers, 1H06 by Jay Pultz, David Neil is copyrighted May 11, 2006 by Gartner, Inc. and is reused with permission. The Magic Quadrant is a graphical representation of a marketplace at and for a specific time period. It depicts Gartner's analysis of how certain vendors measure against criteria for that marketplace, as defined by Gartner. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in the Magic Quadrant, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors placed in the "Leaders" quadrant. The Magic Quadrant is intended solely as a research tool, and is not meant to be a specific guide to action. Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Verizon Business

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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