Verizon Business Tops 2.5 Million Users for Mobility Access Services

READING, UK - Verizon Business now has more than 2.5 million users for its Mobility Email and Data Access services that help on-the-go workers connect to corporate resources. This major milestone, a two-fold increase since 2005, highlights the growing importance of flexible, simple and secure access for business users, and demonstrates the strengths of Verizon Business' Mobility Access services in meeting these needs.

Verizon Mobility services are designed to reduce customer administrative and IT costs associated with extending corporate network access to on-the-go workers. The Verizon Mobility Access portfolio is a flexible, scalable, easily administrated set of solutions that offers Verizon Private IP customers options to securely, rapidly and seamlessly access their business communications infrastructure around the globe.

Access options include:

• 3G Mobile Data Access for US based customers via the Verizon Wireless network (EVDO);
• 3G Mobile Data Access for UK based customers (since March 2006) with T-Mobile UK (GPRS/UMTS/HSDPA), further 3G Mobile Data expansion is planned to additional countries
• WiFi Access at 45,000 hotspots in more than 60 countries (with ongoing expansion in progress)
• Dial Access in more than 150 countries

Verizon Business' globally available Secure Gateway, enables Verizon Private IP, customers to take advantage of network-based remote access, avoiding the need for specific capital outlays for additional equipment and maintenance.

Verizon Mobile Data Access in the UK is a prime example of how Verizon Business has simplified the deployment and management of this technology for its on-the-go customers. This service gives customers high-speed access to their corporate network, e-mail and the Internet, whenever they are out of the office, whether in a taxi, at the airport or any other location where a Wi-Fi hotpot is not available.

Real-time web-based management tools enable IT administrators to order and manage Mobile Data SIM cards, control mobile user profiles, enable or disable Mobile Data Access privileges including roaming, and to monitor usage. All traffic is subsequently invoiced by Verizon Business in a consolidated Enterprise Mobility bill.

Verizon Access Manager, a PC-based access client, is the key to simple remote access for the business user. Regardless of access method or application, users can manage and change access services quickly and easily from anywhere in the world.

For IT administrators, Verizon Enterprise Services Manager (a secure Web-based application) enables active and simple control of their user base. User profiles and access privileges, including desktop security settings, can be quickly and easily updated or amended, and monitoring capabilities enabled. Users benefit from dynamic software and policy updates, protected with network and desktop security.

Sandra O'Boyle, research director of Telecom Services Europe at Current Analysis, commented: "Verizon Business has a strong remote-access heritage from the dial days, and has responded to increasing enterprise mobility requirements by offering a single bill for 3G mobile data and WiFi for customers in the UK and US, along with ease of administration. The online administrative platform allows IT to change access policies and security policies on the fly, add new users and even to order and manage data cards. We expect to see Verizon Business expand integrated 3G Mobile Data access to additional countries."

"Businesses are increasingly turning to our integrated Enterprise Mobility services to allow their remote workers to tap into company resources, collaboration applications and up-to-date information through both fixed and wireless access," said Roberta Mackintosh, director international products for Verizon Business International.

"Flexible working practices are now a given for many organisations worldwide, and by making access to corporate resources as simple as possible, they are able to reap the benefits of effective worker collaboration, no matter where the employee may be. We are delighted that so many of our customers are now turning to Verizon Enterprise Mobility services to support their mobility needs, and look forward to continuing to support our customers as their global office environments expand outside traditional office walls."

About Verizon Business
Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large business and government customers worldwide. Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced technology and professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.

####

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.