Verizon Deploys Fiber Optics, Bringing Additional Advanced Technology to Charles County

WALDORF, Md. - Verizon is investing $3.2 million to install fiber-optic cable serving Charles County's high-tech corridor on Route 301 in Waldorf.

The project, one of Verizon's largest construction jobs in Charles County this year, includes installation of new digital electronics and 64.3 miles of fiber-optic cable, or the length if all the fibers in the cable were placed end to end. This advanced equipment will provide additional capacity, reliability and survability in the Verizon network.

Fiber-optic systems use hair-thin glass strands and digital technology to deliver high-quality telephone service along with high-capacity, high-speed data services.

Verizon expects to complete this project by the end of 2002.

"Verizon's substantial commitment to the high-growth area along Route 301 will meet customers' demands for increased bandwidth and demonstrate our resolve to meet these demands wherever they arise," said William R. Roberts, president of Verizon Maryland. "We have provided Maryland with one of the most sophisticated telecommunications networks, and this technology will provide high-speed voice and data transmission which will enable our schools and businesses to succeed in the 21st century."

Verizon also is deploying advanced technology in the following areas of Charles County:

• White Plains Corporate Business Park

• Charles County Career and Technology Center at 7775 Marshall Corner Road in Pomfret

• Green Haven, a new subdivision on Billingsly Road in Waldorf

• Civista Medical Center at 701 East Charles Street in La Plata

• Charles County Department of Social Services at 200 Kent Avenue in La Plata

• Charles County Health Department at 4545 Crain Highway in La Plata

A new facility, which houses electronic equipment in the St. Charles development will serve the new Sheffield area subdivision and the St. Charles Street and Billingsly Road by-pass area.

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 125 million access line equivalents and approximately 28 million wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. A Fortune 10 company with about 260,000 employees and more than $65 billion in annual revenues, Verizon's global presence extends to 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.