Verizon Deploys Fiber Optics, Network Systems To Expand, Improve Service in Western New York

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Verizon Communications is investing $2.9 million to modernize and expand its local

telecommunications network in Western New York.

Verizon is installing more than 6,500 miles of fiber-optic cable -- the total distance if all of the fibers in the cables

were placed end to end -- as well as electronic equipment in Erie and Niagara counties. 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.

About 2,700 miles of fiber will be installed to expand network capacity and high-speed connections between various

communities within Erie County, including the City of Buffalo, Clarence, Clarence Center and Akron.

Another 2,600 miles of fiber will be installed later this year to expand high-speed network connections between Erie and

Genesee counties. The fiber-optic lines also will increase network reliability within the region.

Verizon will complete installation of about 1,150 miles of fiber within the City of Niagara Falls to increase capacity

and reliability of telephone and data connections there.

Verizon also is investing $1.2 million to upgrade and install new air-pressure technology on underground cable systems to

reduce service interruptions. Air-pressure monitoring equipment will be installed on underground cables in Buffalo,

Niagara Falls, Amherst and Lockport.

Many of Verizon's underground cables are pressurized to prevent water from leaking into the cables and interrupting

service. With the new monitors, a loss of air pressure can be immediately detected and repaired before water damages the

wires in the cables. The air-pressure technology is especially useful in regions where underground cables are subjected

to heavy rainfalls and melting snow.

Work on the various projects will be completed by the end of the year.

"These projects demonstrate that Verizon is committed to delivering state-of-the-art telecommunications services

throughout Western New York region," said Paul A. Crotty, president of Verizon New York. "We are expanding

capacity and upgrading our network to accommodate the growing demand for high-speed data and Internet connections over

the Verizon network, in addition to bringing innovative advanced services to our customers."

Crotty said Verizon has made major strides in deploying advanced technology in its New York network:

• Annual spending on Verizon's New York network topped $2 billion in 2000. The company's investments since 1995

  now total more than $10.2 billion.

• Miles of fiber-optic cable in New York state increased to more than 1.2 million in 2000, up from about 715,000 in

  1995.

• All 586 Verizon call-routing centers throughout the state use the latest digital technology systems.
• Verizon Online DSL (digital subscriber line) service was launched in New York in the summer of 1999. DSL is a

  high-speed connection to the Internet that enables users to connect to cyberspace at speeds significantly faster than

  today's fastest analog modems. Today, Verizon has 840,000 DSL lines in service nationwide.

"Verizon is keeping its commitment to Western New York," Crotty said. "We are building and enhancing a

public telecommunications network that is the finest in the world and is a vital part of the Empire State's economic

infrastructure."

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 world's largest provider of print and

online directory information. A Fortune 10 company with about 260,000 employees and more than $63 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.

####