Wisconsin Residents Can Save More Than 50 Percent on Popular Calling Features from Verizon

Wisconsin Residents Can Save More Than 50 Percent on Popular Calling Features from Verizon

Subscribers Can Design Their Own Custom Package While They Save Money

August 5, 2002

Media contact:
Lou Ann Novak, 715-847-1226
Catherine Lewis, 703-974-5547

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. - Consumers can save more than 50 percent off regular prices on Verizon's most popular calling features, including Caller ID, Call Waiting and Three-way Calling, when they sign up for one of the company's new local service packages.

At the same time, customers can design their own calling package choosing from 13 calling features offered with either of two new plans. Under these new plans, subscribers pay a flat rate and get unlimited local phone service and unlimited directory assistance.

According to a market study done for Verizon by the Arbor Group, a market research firm, more than two thirds of all U.S. phone customers prefer one-stop shopping for a bundle of services. Most use more than two calling features at home. Call Waiting and Caller ID are the most popular features with Verizon customers.

"These new packages give customers a smorgasbord of communication services that are great tools for communicating and for living productive, efficient lives," said Jill Wagner, vice president-retail consumer marketing for Verizon. "The plans are flexible enough to meet a variety of lifestyles, and will enhance customers' ability to make progress every day - Verizon's goal for supporting our customers."

Verizon's two new packages can be tailored to meet each customer's unique needs. There are thirteen optional calling features. (See attached list.) The savings are compared to a la carte prices. There are no fees for switching to the new packages.

The new plans are:
• Local Package Standard, which combines unlimited local service, unlimited directory assistance and the customer's choice of up to three optional calling services.

• Local Package, which combines unlimited local service, unlimited directory assistance and the customer's choice of four or more optional calling services.

The savings add up quickly. For example, assume a Wisconsin resident with local Verizon phone service orders all 13 calling services. The total a la carte price would be $75.53 for local service and all of the 13 call-management options. Any directory assistance charges would be additional, depending on usage. By purchasing the Local Package plan, the total package cost, including unlimited directory assistance, would be $35.95. Customers realize as much as $39.58 savings each month.

Verizon's calling features have become valuable tools for managing busy lifestyles, and customers use them in different ways to make progress in their lives every day.

"Some customers prefer to be in close contact with people they care about, any time and anywhere. For them, we offer services such as Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Caller ID Name and Number, and Three-way Calling," said Wagner. "Other customers may want to control their communication and limit who can call them. For these customers, we offer Caller ID Name and Number, Distinctive Ring and several call-blocking features that protect them from unwanted interruptions.

"The uses for our optional services, in various combinations, are limitless," Wagner said.

Wisconsin customers can build onto their customized service bundles by adding regional toll service plans, long-distance plans and Internet access services from Verizon. Residential customers interested in signing up for these packages can contact their local Verizon business office or order online at www.verizon.com.

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 135.1 million access line equivalents and 30.3 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. With more than $67 billion in annual revenues and approximately 241,000 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to more than 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

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Related Documents:

Optional Custom Calling Features Available with Local Packages