Verizon Hails House Measure to Permanently Ban Taxation of Internet Access

WASHINGTON - Reps. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., and Robert Goodlatte, R-Va., and 30 original co-sponsors Wednesday (Jan. 31) introduced a bill titled the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2007, which would make permanent the moratorium on taxation of Internet access, which expires on Nov. 1.  The following statement should be attributed to Peter Davidson, Verizon senior vice president for federal government relations.

"Today's action in the House, coupled with a similar Senate bill introduced Jan. 4, adds great momentum to the effort to permanently ban taxation of Internet access.  This initiative is important to consumers, economic growth and job creation, and the national goal of widespread broadband availability.  With strong bipartisan support of members in both chambers, Congress is taking the right steps to assure affordability of Internet access for all Americans."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 59 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which operates one of the most expansive wholly owned global IP networks, and Verizon Telecom, which is deploying the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of approximately 242,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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