Verizon Opens Additional Internet Express Lanes in Northampton County, Pa. Towns

NORTHAMPTON, Pa. -- More consumers and businesses in Northampton County can enjoy the benefits of high-speed Internet access now that Verizon Online has expanded its availability in the area.

As the result of the company's most recent expansion and upgrade of its local telecommunications network, Verizon Online DSL is now available on about 6,600 additional lines in the Northampton, Nazareth and Bethlehem area.

Verizon has invested $8.5 billion in its network over the last 10 years and will continue to invest aggressively under recently enacted state telecom legislation. The new law requires companies such as Verizon to deploy broadband service across their service areas - the most comprehensive broadband deployment requirement in the nation. Under this legislation, Verizon also must make broadband available to all students throughout the commonwealth.

Currently, Verizon Online is offering its basic consumer DSL service for $29.95 per month in an annual service plan or when purchased in combination with Verizon Freedom or another Verizon local or long-distance bundle. This service offers a maximum connection speed of 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second) downstream and 384 Kbps (kilobits per second) upstream.

Verizon Online has also enhanced its DSL service by introducing a super-fast maximum Internet connection speed of 3 Mbps (megabits per second) downstream and 768 Kbps (kilobits per second) upstream for as low as $39.95 per month in an annual service plan or when purchased as part of a package of calling services. In addition, the company has lowered the cost of its entry-level business service.

Consumer DSL customers who sign up for DSL service for one year currently receive a free DSL home gateway router, which is a combination DSL modem and wireless or wireline router.

"If you've wanted DSL service from us in the past, but it wasn't in your neighborhood, now's the time to check with us on current availability," said James V. O'Rourke, president and CEO of Verizon Pennsylvania.

DSL subscribers can have news in an instant, share digital photos, quickly send e-mail attachments, download movies and play interactive multi-media 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.

Not only is Verizon DSL available to more people than ever before, but Verizon can help customers make the most of high-speed access to the Internet or other broadband services. With a home network, customers can have additional security and connect several computers to one DSL connection to access the Internet at high speeds. A home network also lets subscribers share files and printers among several computers.

To order Verizon Online DSL or check to see whether it is available to a specific home, local telephone customers should check online at www.verizon.net or call Verizon at 1-800-PICK-DSL (7425-375) . Business customers can call 888-649-9500.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. With a diverse work force of approximately 208,000, Verizon has four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband, nationwide long-distance and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 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.

####