Verizon Online Expands Broadband Availability in the Northeast Kingdom, Vt.

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. - More consumers and businesses in the Northeast Kingdom can enjoy the benefits of high-speed Internet access now that Verizon Online has expanded its availability in Barton, Derby, Island Pond, Lyndonville and Orleans.

"If you've wanted DSL service for your home or business from us in the past, but it wasn't in your neighborhood, now's the time to check with us on current availability," said Pamela Porell, vice president for Verizon Vermont.

DSL broadband service from Verizon is available currently in Newport and St. Johnsbury. Verizon in October announced its plans to double the number of Vermont communities where super-fast DSL service is available and will soon introduce additional DSL service in Vermont.

Verizon Online DSL subscribers can have news in an instant, share their digital photos with friends, quickly send e-mail attachments, buy and download movies and play interactive multi-player games in real time. DSL-powered businesses can increase productivity by spending less time doing research, paying bills online and e-mailing orders to suppliers.

MSN® Premium Internet software is included in Verizon's consumer DSL service at no additional charge - a $99 annual value.

Not only is Verizon Online DSL available to more people than ever before, but Verizon can help customers make the most of their broadband connections. Customers who subscribe to an annual DSL plan from Verizon Online also receive a combination modem and "home gateway" router with the service. The home gateway lets customers share their DSL connection among multiple computers in their homes. The gateway costs $49.95 for qualifying customers who purchase DSL as part of a Verizon calling package and $99.95 for customers who do not purchase DSL with a calling package or do not select an annual service plan.

To order Verizon Online DSL or to check whether it is available to a specific home or business, local telephone customers should check online at www.verizon.net or call Verizon at 1-800-PICK-DSL.

Currently, Verizon Online is offering its basic consumer DSL service with up to a maximum connection speed of 3.0 Mbps (megabits per second) downstream and 768 Kbps (kilobits per second) upstream for as low as $29.95 a month when purchased as an annual plan, or in combination with Verizon Freedom or another qualified Verizon calling package.

The first month of Verizon Online DSL service is free when ordered online, and all customers receive a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Verizon Communications Inc.

With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of more than 210,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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