Verizon Expands Availability of Its Up to 7.1 Megabits-Per-Second Internet Service Offer to 6.6 Million Households Nationwide

Company Also Increases Speed for Entry-Level Broadband to 1 Mbps; Introduces New Pricing to Further Heighten Value to Customers

NEW YORK, Nov. 3 -- Verizon announced Monday (Nov. 3) that it has expanded the availability of its fastest high-speed Internet service, which delivers download speeds of up to 7.1 megabits per second (Mbps), to 6.6 million households nationwide.

The high-speed service, introduced earlier this year, allows Internet users to download information at speeds 125 times faster than a 56 kilobits-per-second (Kbps) dial-up modem. Verizon High Speed Internet, based on digital subscriber-line technology, provides customers with a dedicated broadband connection to their home. The up-to-7.1 Mbps service will continue to be expanded and reach as many as 9 million households by the end of the year.

In addition, Verizon has upgraded its entry-level High Speed Internet service to 1 Mbps downstream and 384 kbps upstream, up from 768 Kbps/128 Kbps. Effective immediately, consumers can order the new entry-level service for $9.99 per month for the first six months with a one-year contract. Under the contract, monthly pricing for the remainder of the annual plan will range between $19.99 and $25.99 depending on the market. New customers who order the up-to-1 Mbps/384 Kbps service can receive the first month free when ordering online at www.verizon.net/highspeed.

Consumers who want faster speed can order Verizon's up-to-3 Mbps/768 Kbps service for $19.99 for the first six months as part of an annual plan, with the following six-month pricing ranging from $29.99 to $33.99, depending on the market. Customers who order the middle tier offer online can receive the first month free.

Verizon's fastest High Speed Internet service of up to 7.1 Mbps/768 Kbps is $32.99 for the first six months as part of an annual plan with the following six months priced at $42.99. As with the other two speed tiers, customers can obtain the first month free by ordering the service online.

Keeping a High-Speed Internet Connection Remains a Priority Amid Strained Economy

The expanded availability of up-to-7.1 Mbps, increased entry-level speed and special promotional offers make broadband Internet service more affordable and accessible, and heightens the value for consumers, said Susan Retta, Verizon's vice president of consumer product management.

"In strained economic times, maintaining a high-speed Internet connection remains at the top of consumers' discretionary spending lists," said Retta. "Even as household budgets are adjusted, people still want to remain connected online to obtain news, search for jobs, research homework assignments, pay bills, and stay in touch with family members and friends."

(Note: Verizon on Monday (Nov. 3) also announced new bundles of voice, high-speed Internet and DIRECTV service. See the related news release at www.verizon.com/newscenter. To hear a podcast about the value of Verizon broadband bundles and why consumers want broadband service in the current economy, go to http://verizon.wieck.com/.)

Customers who want even faster high-speed Internet service can order Verizon FiOS, which is offered in tiers of up to 10, 20 and 50 Mbps in parts of 16 states. Verizon delivers FiOS service over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network straight to customers' homes.

As of the end of the third quarter, Verizon High Speed Internet service remains the company's most widely deployed broadband data service, available to about 80 percent of all Verizon local phone lines, or nearly 9.1 million premises.

Verizon High Speed Internet subscribers have access to an extensive collection of features and services, including online protection with Verizon Internet Security Suite; Verizon Enhanced Email; Verizon Premium Tech Support; Online gaming; free news from ABC News Now; free sports from ESPN360; and more.

Verizon High Speed Internet service is delivered on a dedicated line from Verizon's central switching office to the customer's home or business and is backed by live, 24 x 7 customer service and technical support. The service typically is available to residents and businesses that are located within approximately three miles of the company's central switching offices.

Residential customers interested in Verizon High Speed Internet service can call 1-800-483-4000 or visit www.verizon.net/highspeed. For information about Verizon FiOS, customers can dial 1-888-439-3467, call their local Verizon sales office or visit www.verizon.com.

Verizon High Speed Internet for Business packages offer a choice of speeds, static IP addresses, remote dial-up access, networking and domain name e-mails. Area businesses can get more information about service availability and pricing by calling 1-888-376-3365 or visiting www.verizon.com/businessdsl.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 71 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 228,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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