Verizon Extends Reach of Global Network into New Zealand and Australia through Agreement With Telecom New Zealand

NEW YORK -- Verizon Global Solutions Inc. has entered into a strategic agreement with Telecom New Zealand that will extend the reach of Verizon's global network throughout Australia and New Zealand and provide Verizon's large business customers with connectivity to the key cities and financial centers in both countries.

Under the agreement, Telecom New Zealand -- in which Verizon has an investment of approximately 20 percent -- will terminate Verizon's international data traffic that is sent to Australia and New Zealand. At the same time, Verizon will terminate Telecom New Zealand's data traffic that is sent to the United States.

"The agreement is part of our strategy to develop regional relationships that will extend the reach and scale of our global network in an efficient, cost-effective way," said Thomas A. Bartlett, president of Verizon Global Solutions Inc. "We are negotiating similar agreements with several other prominent carriers in Europe and Asia.

"The agreement also enables us to provide Verizon's large business customers -- particularly multi-national corporations with headquarters in the United States -- with highly reliable links throughout an important region of the world, including direct connections to customers' premises there. In addition, terminating Telecom New Zealand's traffic in the U.S. will increase usage on Verizon's global and domestic networks."

Verizon Global Solutions Inc. delivers advanced communications solutions that customers can rely on. Global Solutions' network interconnects leading commercial centers in the world and is backed by superior customer support. Global Solutions also leverages its strong partnerships with major international providers, giving customers access to an extensive selection of voice, data and IP products and services. For more information, visit www.verizon.com/global.

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 135.1 million access line equivalents and 30.3 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. With more than $67 billion in annual revenues and approximately 241,000 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to more than 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

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