Verizon Jumps into Pennsylvania Long-Distance Market with Simple, Innovative Plans

PHILADELPHIA -- Pennsylvanians now can enjoy innovative, straightforward, Verizon Long Distance service as the company today launched a suite of long-distance calling plans.

These plans are available immediately to Keystone State consumers. Verizon Long Distance will launch its business long-distance offerings on Oct. 30.

Verizon Long Distance plans feature competitive rates without the pricing gimmicks common to many long-distance providers. Most Verizon Long Distance plans have no monthly charges or minimums, relieving customers of the need to "study the fine print" before ordering service or paying their bill.

"It's long distance made simple from Verizon -- one provider, one bill and one call for customer service," said Maura Breen, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Retail Markets. "We're offering Pennsylvania consumers and businesses long-distance calling plans that are innovative and easy-to-understand.

"Both residential and business customers told us they want to 'keep it simple,' and our plans do just that," said Breen. "We offer calling plans tailored to fit our customers' lifestyles and calling preferences."

Verizon also reaffirmed its strong commitment to Pennsylvania today by announcing Verizon Foundation grants totaling $1.15 million for the new Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center in Philadelphia, the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve in Latrobe and the Extra Mile Education Foundation in Pittsburgh. (To see announcement, click here).

On Sept. 19, Verizon received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compete in Pennsylvania's $3.3 billion long-distance market, bringing to 40 the states in which Verizon is able to offer long-distance service.

Innovative Calling Plans for Consumers and Businesses

Verizon's long-distance plans have proven very popular with consumers and businesses alike in other states. Customers can choose from several domestic and international calling plans. In addition, Verizon offers toll-free plans and calling cards for consumers and businesses. Except for the international plans, Verizon's rates are based on state-to-state, direct-dialed domestic calls. In-state rates may vary slightly. International rates vary depending on the country called.

"We offer innovative plans that let consumers buy long-distance service in advance or at low, flat per-minute rates available only through the Internet," said Breen. "We also offer bundles of long-distance minutes. There's a plan here for everyone -- from the highest- to the lowest-volume callers."

Starting Oct. 30, Verizon also will offer a variety of domestic and international long-distance services specifically designed for large business customers. These customers will be able to choose from a robust set of voice and data products -- including private line, frame relay and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) -- that Verizon will customize and package to meet their specific needs.

"We've looked forward to bringing full competition to Pennsylvania for a long time," said Breen. "And we're delighted that Keystone State customers now can take advantage of the simplicity and savings their New York neighbors have enjoyed for nearly two years."

Verizon Long Distance enters the Pennsylvania long-distance market as the nation's fourth-largest long-distance company with more than six million customers in 39 states.

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 more than 28 million wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. A Fortune 10 company with about 260,000 employees and approximately $65 billion in annual revenues, 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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