Verizon Introduces Unlimited Usage, Fixed Fee Packages for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

NEW YORK -- Verizon is freeing small businesses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania from per-minute usage charges and unpredictable telecommunications bills by introducing Verizon Freedom^SM for Business, a calling package that offers unlimited usage for a fixed monthly fee. This package includes unlimited, direct-dialed local, regional and domestic long-distance calls, with options for significant discounts on toll-free service, high-speed DSL and Internet access -- all on one convenient bill.

The new package is part of Verizon's strategy to better serve small businesses by delivering products and services specifically designed to meet the needs of these businesses.

Verizon Freedom for Business elminates the per-minute usage fees associated with business calls. The flat monthly rate gives small businesses the predictability they need to accurately budget their telecommunications costs, and enables them to save money as well.

"This is not a temporary promotion. Eliminating usage charges is a fundamental change in the way we do business," said Mike Hassett, Verizon's vice president for business marketing. "We don't want customers to have to think about the costs associated with making business calls. And, we know they would rather be growing their business than spending time each month reviewing the charges on their bill."

Value, Simplicity, Flexibility Equal Freedom for Small Businesses

Verizon Freedom for Business includes unlimited direct-dialed local, regional and domestic long-distance, billed on ONE-BILL, for $38 in New Jersey and $35 in Pennsylvania, plus local line charges. Long-term commitments are not required, nor is there an expiration date.

"Designed for small businesses with up to 10 lines, Verizon Freedom for Business offers unprecedented flexibility at very competitive rates, easy to understand packages and bundles, and the convenience of getting all the charges on one bill," said Hassett.

The Verizon Freedom package also qualifies customers for additional discounts on the most popular services for small business. Optional bundles include a 20 percent discount on DSL and inbound toll-free calls at 6 cents per minute.

Verizon Freedom for Business is also available in New York and Massachusetts, where it was introduced in May. For additional information, customers can visit the Verizon Web site at www.verizon.com/verizonfreedomforbusiness.com, or call Verizon at 1-866-424-6659.

A Fortune 10 company, 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 136.6 million access line equivalents and 33.3 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is the third-largest long-distance carrier for U.S. consumers, with 13.2 million long-distance lines, and the company is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. With approximately $67 billion in annual revenues and 227,000 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

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Media contacts:
Catherine Hogan Lewis, 703-974-5547
Jim Smith, 212-395-7746

In Pennsylvania:
Sharon Shaffer, 215-963-6200
Lee Giercynski, 412-633-5574

In New Jersey:
Ivette Mendez, 973-649-2279