Social Media Release: Verizon Deploys Commercial 100G Ultra-Long-Haul Optical System on Portion of Its Core European Network

PARIS, Dec. 14, 2009

OVERVIEW

• Today Verizon became the first telecommunications carrier to successfully deploy a commercial 100G (gigabits per second) ultra-long-haul optical system for live traffic. This system was deployed on the company’s European optical core network between Paris and Frankfurt.
• The accomplishment marks the first time for deployment of ultra-long-haul 100G using a single channel on a production network.
• Verizon is using Nortel’s commercially available 100G solution to carry live Private IP traffic between Verizon’s core routers over the 893-kilometer (555-mile) route without modifying the system.
• Verizon sent a true 100G signal by using the same spacing between wavelengths that is used for a single wavelength. The 100G transmission was conducted on a Verizon ultra-long-haul optical system carrying other live 10G wavelengths.
• By installing advanced optics and electronics on the existing network facilities, the upgrade to 100G was done easily and quickly. The objective is to implement a “plug and play” approach that avoids any changes to embedded network equipment and facilities.

KEY FACTS/HIGHLIGHTS

• Verizon deployed a true 100G optical system on its European ultra long haul network.
• Verizon used a commercially available piece of equipment, Nortel’s OME6500, to carry live Private IP traffic between its core routers over the 893-kilometer (555-mile) route without modifying the signal.
• The equipment enables Verizon to economically carry increasing amounts of IP backbone traffic when compared to an equivalent number of 10G links – the current speed for the majority of backbone traffic today.
• The 100G transmission is carried on the Verizon network along with other live 10G wavelengths.
• Traffic is carried on a single wavelength with 50 GHz channel spacing.

QUOTES FOR ATTRIBUTION

	“This latest 100G-first gives Verizon the edge in meeting the growing bandwidth demands of our customers,” said Mark Wegleitner, senior vice president of technology at Verizon. “By consolidating traffic onto one large pipe rather than several smaller ones, customers will benefit from increased network capacity, improved transmission quality, and greater network efficiencies.” -Mark Wegleitner, senior vice president of network architecture, Verizon
	“Nortel is proud to have partnered with Verizon on this industry-first achievement,” said Philippe Morin, president, Metro Ethernet Networks, Nortel. “The progression to 100G optical speeds is a critical next step for forward-looking service providers like Verizon. Nortel’s unique 100G technology makes this evolution one that is painless to deploy while lowering total network costs.” -Philippe Morin, president, Metro Ethernet Networks, Nortel
	“Heavy Reading’s worldwide operator surveys have consistently identified strong and immediate operator demand for 100G transport. The optical industry’s challenge is to commercialize 100G as soon as possible while making it economically viable. Verizon’s live 100G link, an industry first, has implications well beyond the Verizon network. This marks a big step forward on the road to wide-scale 100G transport.” -Sterling Perrin, senior analyst, Heavy Reading

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 89 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 230,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $97 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.