Verizon Launches Freedom for Business Expansion PAK, Its First-Ever Small-Business Calling and Internet Package; Value and Options Can Be Easily Added as Business Grows

NEW YORK - Small businesses that have at least two lines and need unlimited calling and a high-speed Internet connection can get both services in a new, low-cost package from Verizon.

The Verizon Freedom for Business Expansion PAK offers the services most small businesses need: two phone lines with five of the most popular calling features, one line with unlimited calling, and high-speed Internet - all for one money-saving low price on one simple, convenient bill. The package allows business owners to add more phone lines and services as needed or as the business expands.

"We serve many SOHO [small office/home office] customers as well as hundreds of thousands of smaller businesses, and they want a good deal on reliable services at a fixed, predictable monthly price," said David Frendo, director of business bundled services for Verizon. 

"So we came up with a simple, full-service package covered by one monthly fee that keeps our customers connected to their customers and allows them the option to easily add more services at competitive prices so they can focus on growing their business and not on deciphering the bill every month."

Verizon Freedom for Business Expansion PAK starts at $109.99 to $169.99 per month with a three-year commitment (prices vary by state). The package consists of two telephone lines with five of the most utilized features (Call Forwarding, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Three-Way Calling and Voice Mail); unlimited nationwide voice calling on one line; and broadband speeds of up to 3 Mbps (megabits per second) on one line.* 

Unlimited long-distance calling can be added to the second line for an additional cost, and faster Internet speeds are available at an additional cost. Verizon Broadband service includes 24 x 7 business-grade technical support.

"This is the first time we're offering this kind of price to businesses for unlimited calling on the network that's 99.9 percent reliable," said Frendo. "No business of any size can afford to miss calls because the one call you miss could be the one that makes or breaks your business."

Verizon Freedom for Business Expansion PAK is available to new and existing customers. The discounted packages are also available with a one-year commitment starting at slightly higher charges per month.

"This is a really flexible plan, and we are exploring the ability to introduce an option for customers to add Verizon Wireless service as well as FiOS TV and FiOS Internet for Business services, where it's available," said Frendo.

For more information about Verizon Freedom for Business Expansion PAK, visit www.verizon.com/business.

Verizon offers a variety of products and services that allow businesses to customize the solutions they need to better compete in the marketplace. In addition to broadband Internet access, solutions include online backup storage, e-mail encryption and communications management tools.

Over the summer, Verizon was cited by the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Services Study for the "Highest Customer Satisfaction With Small/Midsize Business Data Service Providers."

Earlier this year, in the American Brand Excellence study of business customers with 1 to 499 employees, the City Business Journals Network found that Verizon Telecom achieved the top ranking for telecommunications for the second straight year.  Verizon Wireless placed second, followed by AT&T, Cingular and Sprint Nextel. Verizon was ranked as top brand in market leadership, value for the price, momentum in popularity, ethical practices, differentiation that's forward-looking, relevance for growing businesses, and customer service.

For more information on Verizon's products and services for small businesses, visit www.verizon.com/business.  For news, resources and more tools for Verizon's business customers, visit The Verizon Small Business Center at http://business.verizon.net.

* NOTE: Actual (throughput) speeds will vary based on numerous factors, including network and Internet congestion and the speed of Web sites you visit.

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 62 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 238,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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