Verizon Deploys Fiber Optics, Electronics, Bringing Additional Voice, Data Capacity to Providence Area

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Verizon Communications has invested nearly $1.5 million to expand and upgrade its telecommunications network in the metropolitan Providence area during 2000.

The investment includes installation of nearly 20 miles of fiber-optic cable between the switching centers in Providence, Cranston and North Providence. The individual glass strands of fiber, if laid end-to-end, would stretch for 4,700 miles. The new fiber will boost Verizon's network capacity in response to dramatic increases in customer requests for high-speed data services, the introduction of toll-free calling into Providence and the needs of Verizon's competitors who use the company's network.

The projects also provide additional capacity, reliability and survivability in the Verizon network. Fiber-optic systems use hair-thin glass strands and digital technology to deliver high quality telephone services along with high-capacity/high-speed voice and data services.

"This substantial commitment to expand and strengthen the network that serves our business and residential customers in and around Providence demonstrates that Verizon recognizes the robust growth that is taking place in the state," said Donna Cupelo, president of Verizon Rhode Island. "We are very aware that the greater Providence area is experiencing the unprecedented demand for telecommunications services that prevails throughout Rhode Island. These projects are adding needed capacity and reliability to our network."

Nationwide, Verizon invests more than $12 billion annually in its telecommunications network, which is one of the most advanced in the world and features an industry leading
8.3 million miles of fiber-optic systems.

In Rhode Island, Cupelo said this commitment to advanced technology includes:

• About $85 million annually in network investment;
• Some 65,500 miles of fiber-optic cable;
• The latest digital technology systems in the 30 call-routing centers serving the state;
• Working with diverse community groups to develop applications that use advanced telecommunications networks, such as video-based distance learning.

"We are proud of our critical role in assuring that Rhode Island continues to have one of the nation's most advanced telecommunications networks," said Cupelo. "This infrastructure will help our state, its businesses, schools and consumers to succeed in the new millennium."

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), formed by the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE, 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 more than 101 million access line equivalents and more than 26 million wireless customers. A Fortune 10 company with more than 260,000 employees and approximately $60 billion in 1999 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 .