BAYTOWN, Texas - Verizon's landline telecommunications network is functioning despite widespread power outages in the region caused by Hurricane Ike's rampage through Texas.
The company has begun assessing damage to its facilities - such as downed lines and broken poles - and assembling the resources that will be required to restore service. As part of this restoral effort, Verizon expects to draw on technicians from other parts of Texas in coming days as necessary.
Verizon serves a number of communities in the Houston metropolitan area, including Baytown, Dickinson, Hitchcock, League City and Stafford.
"Customers' landline service can be their lifeline during times like this, and Verizon is doing what it can to help people make the connections that are important to them," said Trinidad Aguirre, senior vice president and general manager for Verizon's South-Central region.
Back-up generators and batteries are powering many Verizon facilities where commercial power is lost, ensuring that customers still are receiving phone service even though the power may be out.
One point customers should remember is that, if the power goes out, cordless phones won't work even though the customer's land line may still be active. Customers should have at least one corded phone, which will work in cases where the power is out but their phone service still works. Corded phones can be purchased at Verizon Plus stores or other stores that sell electronics.
Verizon customers should call 800-483-1000 to report any landline phone outage.
Verizon is working to set up phone banks at key locations in its southeast Texas service area, offering free local and long-distance calling and Internet access to people affected by Hurricane Ike. In addition, Verizon has installed three phone lines at the National Guard Armory in Bonham, northeast of Dallas, where many evacuees from the affected areas have relocated.
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 nearly 69 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 employs a diverse workforce of more than 228,600 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.
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