Verizon Online Expands Broadband Availability in Windham and Windsor Counties, Vermont

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. - More consumers and businesses in Vermont can enjoy the benefits of high-speed Internet access now that Verizon Online has expanded its availability in Windham and Windsor counties. Verizon Online DSL is now available in Bellows Falls, Bethel, Jamaica, Newfane, Putney, South Londonderry, South Royalton, Stratton, Wilmington, Windsor and Woodstock.

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

To meet the growing demand for high-speed broadband services in the state, Verizon since last summer has doubled the number of Vermont communities where Verizon Online DSL service is available. In addition to the communities in Windham and Windsor counties, Verizon has added DSL service in Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Essex, Orange, Orleans and Rutland, bringing to 56 the number of Verizon local switching centers in the state that are equipped to provide broadband using DSL.

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.

Consumer DSL Packed with Value

Not only is Verizon Online DSL available to more people than ever before, but Verizon can also help customers make the most of their broadband connections. Residential customers who subscribe to an annual DSL plan from Verizon Online 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.

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

Verizon Online also now offers DSL customers its new Verizon Internet Security Suite, which provides comprehensive computer protection with a unique package of anti-spyware, anti-virus, firewall, parental control, pop-up/ad blocker software, and content management and privacy controls. Residential customers purchasing the Security Suite can choose to protect up to three computers for $7.95 a month or one computer for $4.95 a month.

In one download, Verizon Security Suite provides safer surfing, guards against invisible threats, fights malicious programs, and makes it tougher for hackers to attack. The suite of services is designed to run behind the scenes, as long as the computer is on. The suite automatically updates every three hours, not just when a computer is rebooted, helping ensure that customers are protected against the newest threats with the latest detection methods.

Verizon Online home customers benefit from round-the-clock, live technical support, nine e-mail boxes, and 10 MB (megabytes) of personal Web space with an exclusive Site Builder tool.

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 1-800-585-4466.

Currently, Verizon Online is offering its basic consumer DSL service with a maximum connection speed of 3.0Mbps (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 Verizon local and long-distance calling bundle.

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

Variety of DSL Packages Available for Businesses

Verizon's business customers can choose from a variety of DSL speeds and services tailored specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. With a one-year contract, Business DSL packages start at $39.95 per month for a maximum connection speed of up to 3.0 Mbps downstream and 768Kbps upstream. Businesses can choose from a range of packages that can provide Internet access at maximum connection speeds up to 3.0 Mbps/768 Kbps as well as up to 7.1 Mbps, where available. Verizon Online offers business customers both dynamic and static IP (Internet protocol) service. Unlike dynamic DSL, a static IP address gives businesses a permanent IP address for hosting a Web site or an e-mail server, as well as providing virtual private network (VPN) applications for employees who work remotely. Static IP DSL services are available starting at $79.95 for a 3.0Mbps/768Kbps service.

Verizon Online DSL for Business standard packages include:

• Business-grade e-mail for employees (name@yourbusinessname.com)
• Business-grade technical support available round-the-clock
• Unlimited dial-up access
• 20 MB of personal Web space
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• On-time guarantee

Verizon Online also provides a basic business package with fewer features.

Business customers can receive a 20 percent discount on their DSL service if they combine high-speed Internet access with other Verizon services. Additional plans and pricing information are available at 1-888-649-9500 or http://biz.verizon.net/pands/dsl/. Customers who sign up online receive one month of free service.

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 212,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom provides customers based in 28 states with wireline and other telecommunications services, including broadband. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 45.5 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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