Japan-Relief Contributions From Verizon Foundation and Company Employees Top $800,000

NEW YORK – April 5, 2011 –

The Verizon Foundation and Verizon employees have pledged more than $800,000 to support earthquake-tsunami relief efforts in Japan.

The donations were raised through the Verizon employee disaster-relief matching-gift program. Under the program, the Verizon Foundation will match employee donations dollar for dollar, up to $1,000 per employee, to three nonprofit organizations - American Red Cross, Save the Children and World Vision - that are providing aid in Japan.

"Verizon employees have a strong tradition of mobilizing quickly to assist communities in need," said Verizon Foundation President Rose Kirk. "We are proud to join the thousands of Verizon employees and customers who have offered support for the people of Japan during the long recovery process."

The employee matching-gift campaign is part of Verizon's overall efforts to assist relief efforts in Japan.

Verizon Wireless has made it easy for customers to support relief efforts in Japan by implementing a mobile-giving program to give customers a secure and quick way to contribute to charitable organizations.  Customers can make a $10 donation by simply sending a text message and may choose from among 10 organizations aiding those in need in Japan. 

To help its customers contact loved ones in Japan, Verizon has enabled most wireless and residential customers to make free calls to that country through April 10. In addition, Verizon Wireless post-paid customers in the U.S. will receive free text and multimedia messaging to Japan, also through April 10.

Verizon Wireless also produced a public service announcement featuring leading Asian-American actors who donated their time for the filming.  The announcement encourages donations to further the relief efforts and has run on FiOS, V CAST and Verizon's online sites.  To view the announcement, see a list of relief organizations accepting donation pledges for Japan through text messaging, and learn of the company's other relief efforts, visit http://news.vzw.com/JapanInfo.html. 

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, uses its technology, financial resources and partnerships to address critical social issues, with a focus on education and domestic violence prevention. In 2010, the foundation awarded nearly $67 million to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered nearly 6 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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 94.1 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 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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HAVEN Receives $20,000 Grant From the Verizon Foundation for Education, Prevention

PONTIAC, Mich. – September 22, 2010 –

HAVEN has received a $20,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation to support the nonprofit organization's focus on education and prevention. HAVEN delivers services to protect victims of domestic violence and sexual assault across Oakland County.

The Verizon Foundation's donation is the third in a series of grants that has fully funded the production of "Daisy Tells a Secret," a groundbreaking DVD designed to help adults navigate age-appropriate conversations with children, aged 4 to 8, on the challenging subject of sexual abuse. The film was created by One of Us Films, a Detroit-based media production and distribution company.

"Daisy Tells a Secret" is an animated story about personal safety and body ownership and includes interviews with psychology, safety and medical experts. In total, the Verizon Foundation has contributed $70,000 toward this project.

Victor Mack, director-retail sales, Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in Michigan, and a HAVEN board member, presented the $20,000 grant on Sept. 17 to Beth Morrison, HAVEN CEO, at the Verizon Wireless store in Royal Oak. At the presentation, Morrison described how the film will help youngsters. 

"Daisy tells her story of being sexually assaulted," Morrison said.  "Within that story, she's able to talk about sensitive issues while relating to kids in a comfortable and safe manner. In the video, Daisy learns the difference between a good secret and a bad secret, and she helps kids take ownership of their bodies by being aware of what's appropriate and inappropriate in terms of touching."

Two versions of the instructional DVDs have been produced - one for parents and the other for use by schools, educators, health care providers, and daycare and prevention centers. The parents' DVD is available for $19.95. The versions for professional use range from $49.95 to $195.95. The DVDs are available at www.daisytellsasecret.com.

Domestic violence awareness and prevention is one of the core initiatives of Verizon's philanthropic focus, and the company has a long-standing history for supporting related initiatives. In addition to the Verizon Foundation's grant support, the company's HopeLine® program collects no-longer-used wireless phones and equipment in any condition from any service provider. The used phones are either refurbished or recycled. With the funds raised from the sale of the refurbished phones, Verizon Wireless donates wireless phones and airtime to survivors, and provides funding and other contributions to non-profit domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country.

Since HopeLine's national phone recycling and re-use program was launched in 2001, Verizon Wireless has collected more than 7 million phones and awarded more than $7.9 million in cash grants to domestic violence agencies and organizations throughout the country.

HAVEN is a nationally recognized nonprofit that has been giving hope a voice by working toward eliminating domestic violence and sexual assault for 35 years. The nonprofit offers treatment and prevention services as well as educational programs across Oakland County and the surrounding communities. For more information about programs and services, visit www.haven-oakland.org or phone 248-334-1284. For more information about HAVEN, contact Melissa Bunker at Melissa@MarketWriteMichigan.com or 313-886-9074.

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational website, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2009, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $67.5 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26.1 million in combined contributions to nonprofits. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 5 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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 92 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 last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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J.D. Power And Associates Ranks Verizon Wireless Highest In Satisfaction For Small-/Mid-Sized Business Customers

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – May 3, 2011 –

Verizon Wireless has been ranked highest among wireless providers in small- and mid-sized business customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Business Wireless Customer Satisfaction Study(SM) released last week. The study found that Verizon Wireless outperformed its competitors and was the only provider that ranked “significantly above segment average at 95% confidence level” in the following categories: performance and reliability, sales representatives/account executives, billings and offerings and promotions. Home-based business customers who participated in the study reported that they were most satisfied with Verizon Wireless’ performance and reliability and sales representatives/account executives.

“Small businesses rely on mobile devices and wireless networks to move their companies forward,” said Mike Lanman, president, Enterprise and Government Markets, Verizon Wireless. “Our strategy for these segments is to offer customers high-performing products and reliable services that provide game-changing productivity improvements and revenue opportunities.”

The study’s performance and reliability category addressed areas including call quality, timeliness of voice mail and text message notifications, ease of connecting calls on the first try, freedom from dropped calls and ease of making calls from various locations. Verizon Wireless small business specialists and sales representatives were rated on knowledge, courtesy, concern for customer needs, responsiveness to requests and questions, and effectiveness of communicating new services, promotions and changes.

The study’s billing index ranked providers on usefulness of information on the bill, variety of methods to pay bills as well as timeliness in receiving statements. The offerings and promotions rating was determined by: wireless plans variety; additional services offered and incentives that recognize loyalty; effectiveness of informational and promotional materials; diverse portfolio of phones and equipment to choose from; and geographic coverage area.

Small- and mid-sized business customers in industries such as financial services, healthcare, construction and transportation can benefit from Verizon Wireless’ products and services including:

The nation’s fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network*An expanding lineup of wireless devices, including Android™ and BlackBerry® smartphones, tablets, netbooks, laptop computers, Mobile Hotspots and USB modemsCost-saving wireless solutions such as Push to Talk, Field Force Manager and Fleet AdministratorMachine-to-machine services that support asset management and telematicsSupport from small business specialists in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores throughout the country and technology support 24 hours a day, seven days a week

J.D. Power and Associates surveyed wireless service decision makers at more than 3,100 U.S. businesses between November 2010 and February 2011.

For more information about Verizon Wireless’ products and services for small and mid-sized businesses, visit www.verizonwireless.com/smb, call 1-800-VZW-4BIZ or see a small business specialist at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store.

* The company’s “most reliable network” claim is based on network studies performed by test men and test women who conduct more than 3.5 million voice call attempts and more than 19 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless’ and other national wireless carriers’ networks while traveling more than one million miles in specially equipped, company-owned quality test vehicles. For more information about Verizon Wireless testing, go to http://aboutus.vzw.com/bestnetwork/reliability.html.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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One Economy Receives $125,000 Grant From the Verizon Foundation to Support Education and Leadership Programs at Three Delta Region High Schools

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – April 14, 2011 –

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, awarded a $125,000 grant on Thursday (April 14) to One Economy to support education and leadership programs at three Delta region high schools.

The grant, announced at a ceremony at the Governor's Conference Room at the state Capitol, is the second part of a $250,000 commitment the Verizon Foundation made to support One Economy's Digital Connectors program at Dumas, Osceola and Lake Village high schools.  Gov. Mike Beebe participated in the announcement.

Through the program, students will develop leadership skills and receive technology training that provides the skills necessary to compete in today's economy. Those students will then volunteer in their communities, offering more than 4,000 hours of service.

Verizon Foundation President Rose Kirk said: "As a native Arkansan, and an individual very familiar with the needs of the Delta region, it gives me great pride to continue this investment in Arkansas' youth. The Digital Connectors program will allow these wonderful young people to develop the leadership, technological and community-oriented skills they will need to be successful in whatever career they choose."

Alan Greenlee, One Economy's vice president of programs, said: "Digital Connectors recognizes young people's natural affinity for embracing new technology. Through Verizon's generous grant, we are able to create a new generation of technology ambassadors who will promote digital training and inclusion throughout the Delta region."

Supporting the use of technology in education is a key mission for the Verizon Foundation. In addition to supporting programs such as One Economy, the foundation also supports education through Thinkfinity.org, an interactive online program that provides thousands of free educational resources for use in and out of the classroom.

"Our industry is advancing at an incredible pace every day, so it's critical that today's students receive technology training, and receive it as early as possible," said Steve Smith, president - South Central region, Verizon Wireless.  "The benefit of this program is twofold; students receive valuable training, and in turn, they give back to their communities."

The Verizon Foundation uses its technology, financial resources and partnerships to address critical social issues, with a focus on education and domestic violence prevention. In 2010, the foundation awarded nearly $67 million to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered nearly 6 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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 94.1 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 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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Is That You, Santa Claus? Verizon Business Teams Up With NORAD to Track His Global Trip on Christmas Eve

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – December 16, 2010 –

From Paris, France, to Paris, Texas, finding Santa Claus on Christmas Eve will be as easy as making a phone call.

Verizon Business will team with the North American Aerospace Defense Command to provide and answer the NORAD Tracks Santa hotline so children of all ages can follow Santa Claus' trip around the globe.

Starting Dec. 24 at 2 a.m. Mountain Time, to 3 a.m.  on Dec. 25, children across the U.S. and Canada can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to determine Santa's exact location. (Callers outside North America can reach the hotline by dialing the local Colorado Springs number at 719-556-5211, using the appropriate country code. International charges can apply.)

In 2009, more than 74,000 calls were answered at the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center at Peterson Air Force Base.

This year, more than 1,200 volunteers representing military personnel from Colorado Springs, their families and friends, and NORAD Tracks Santa corporate sponsor team members -- including members from Verizon Business -- will be manning the NORAD Santa tracking hotline to inform children of Santa's whereabouts during his yuletide journey.

Children, their parents and the young-at-heart also can visit the NORAD Tracks Santa Web site (www.noradsanta.org), which provides real-time information on Santa's exact location.  The information is available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Chinese -- along with radar maps and streaming "SantaCam'' video images from cities along Santa's journey.

Santa also can be tracked through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and TroopTube.tv.

"The tradition of NORAD tracking Santa has evolved over the years - expanding to a website and adding social media bells and whistles," said Jamie Graybeal, NORAD's deputy chief of staff, communications.  "But the Santa hotline remains at the heart of our efforts to make it possible for the children to call NORAD to speak to a live operator to find out where Santa is on Christmas Eve."

This marks the 55th year that NORAD, the binational U.S. and Canadian military organization responsible for the aerospace defense of both countries, has tracked Santa around the globe. The tradition started by accident in 1955 after a local newspaper misprint prompted children to call the Continental Air Defense Command (NORAD's predecessor) instead of a special Santa hotline phone number.

After hearing youngsters ask if they could speak to Santa, the colonel on duty at the time told the children he could see Santa on the radar screens, heading south from the North Pole - and a tradition was born.

"We are proud to do our part and donate time and network resources to a tradition that warms the hearts of children at Christmastime," said Susan Zeleniak, group president, Verizon Federal. "Helping NORAD track Santa reflects Verizon's commitment to helping people stay connected around the world.''

About Verizon Business
Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ), is a global leader in communications and IT solutions. We combine professional expertise with one of the world's most connected IP networks to deliver award-winning communications, IT, information security and network solutions. We securely connect today's extended enterprises of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees - enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency and help preserve the environment. Many of the world's largest businesses and governments - including 96 percent of the Fortune 1000 and thousands of government agencies and educational institutions - rely on our professional and managed services and network technologies to accelerate their business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com.

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Consumers Take Center Stage on Verizon High-IQ Networks at 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show

NEW YORK – January 3, 2011 –

Verizon is gearing up for the International Consumer Electronics show this week in Las Vegas, where the company will join with a wide range of technology ecosystem partners to showcase its advanced networks, products, services and  solutions that put consumers and enterprise customers at the epicenter of an ever-expanding connected universe.

Ivan Seidenberg, Verizon's chairman and CEO, will kick off the CES with a keynote address on Thursday (Jan. 6) that promises to offer a provocative and visionary view of the connected universe and the central role Verizon's high-IQ networks play for consumers and leading global businesses.  Seidenberg will be joined by Verizon Chief Operating Officer Lowell McAdam as well as several surprise guests who will show how the combination of ultra-fast, intelligent networks and innovative applications and solutions will drive the most innovative era in the history of technology.

"We are putting the power of Verizon's advanced networks, innovative services and strategic partnerships front and center at the world's largest consumer technology show," said Tony Melone, executive vice president and chief technology officer for Verizon.  "We aim to demonstrate how these collaborations dramatically transform the ways people communicate, consume entertainment, and stay connected to what's important to them - at work or at play and on any device."

For the first time, Verizon will have a large booth on the exhibit floor (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, #35216) and will demonstrate dozens of products, applications and services that show the power and capabilities of the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G wireless network, the nation's most advanced fiber-to-the-home network and the most connected global IP network.  The demonstrations are the result of collaborations with multiple companies and span the worlds of gaming, multi-screen entertainment, telemedicine, home security and management, and more.  For news and information about Verizon's presence at CES, visit www.verizonwireless.com/ces and http://newscenter.verizon.com/verizon-at-ces-2011.

For the Media

Verizon Wireless will host a news conference on Thursday (Jan. 6) at 1 p.m. PST featuring a sneak peek at consumer-focused, Android-based LTE devices, as well as an update on the company's 4G LTE network rollout.  The news conference will be webcast; to register, visit http://www.verizonwebcasts.com/ces/2011/news.

Reporters can also register to watch a live webcast of the opening keynote (Thursday, Jan. 6, at 8:30 a.m. PST) by visiting http://newscenter.verizon.com/verizon-at-ces-2011. Visit the CES Press Room and Blogger Lounge (Las Vegas Convention Center Rooms S229 and S228) to see hands-on demonstrations of select services featured in Verizon's show floor booth.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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 93 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 195,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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Verizon Combines the Power of 4G LTE with the Cisco Cius Tablet to Improve Mobile Enterprise Collaboration

NEW YORK – July 13, 2011 –

The ancient Greeks relied on them. So did Moses when it came to accomplishing one of his most significant deliverables. And now businesses are equipping mobile workforces with tablets of their own to boost productivity and speed customer service.

To meet this newest trend in tablet use, Verizon is combining the power of its 4G LTE network with the Cisco Cius™ to help customers decentralize and accelerate decision-making for better business outcomes.

The Cisco Cius will be available to Verizon enterprise and government customers around the world later this summer, and those located domestically will be able to combine the device with a Verizon Wireless 4G LTE mobile hot spot. Designed for the enterprise, the Android-based Cisco Cius combines voice, video, collaboration and virtualization capabilities on one device.  When powered by Verizon's 4G LTE network, mobile workers will be able to easily use bandwidth-intensive video applications - including between devices - for more effective collaboration.

"Mobile applications over intelligent high-speed networks will continue to eliminate barriers in the workplace," said Mike Smith, vice president for Verizon enterprise communications, network and mobility sales. "We're forecasting a perfect storm where advanced enterprise tools such as the Cisco Cius mesh with the speeds made possible by 4G LTE to make the virtual office a more robust reality than ever." 

Putting Tablets to Work

In general, industries such as retail, financial services, healthcare and government can employ tablets to change the pace of their business.

Retail:  Sales associates can employ tablets while out on the floor to look up product and inventory information for customers, in addition to processing transactions on the spot. Financial Services:  Bankers and financial advisors can take advantage of the video capabilities of tablets for face-to-face meetings with clients, saving the time it takes to meet up at physical locations. Health care:  Medical professionals can use tablets to collaborate on patient care and speed critical decision-making. Government:  Tablets can increase productivity of government users - from military to civilian government field workers to emergency first responders - allowing them to enter information or share it quickly with remote offices to complete the business of government more efficiently.

Through Verizon's Managed Mobility portfolio, enterprise customers can securely deploy a wide range of devices to employees.  Capabilities include device management; expense tracking management; lock and wipe features for protecting sensitive data; and mobile delivery of popular business and consumer apps from the cloud.  In addition, the company offers a full suite of professional services to help organizations create policies and design mobility programs to suit varied requirements. 

Verizon is a global network communications leader in driving better business outcomes for enterprises and government agencies.  Verizon delivers integrated IT and communications solutions via its global IP and mobility networks to enable businesses to securely access information, share content and communicate.  Verizon is rapidly transforming to a cloud-based "everything-as-a-service" delivery model that will put the power of enterprise-class solutions within the reach of every business.  Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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, with more than 104 million total connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 196,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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New Verizon Home Monitoring and Control Service Will Make the Concept of the 'Connected Home' a Reality

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – December 29, 2010 –

You're miles away from home when you realize that you've forgotten to lock the front door.  With a new, fully integrated and customizable home monitoring and control service developed by Verizon, you won't have to panic and frantically call a friend or neighbor. The service, now in the trial phase and expected to be available in the first half of 2011, will enable customers to lock doors remotely; see what's going on at home via networked cameras; and set, adjust and control lights, smart thermostats and appliances -- all by using a smartphone or a computer or through FiOS TV.

Verizon will showcase the new service, Home Monitoring and Control, and many other new technologies, at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, from Jan. 6-9.   Verizon's demo will be available in the press room and blogger lounge, located in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and will be among the demonstrations in Verizon's booth (LVCC, South Hall #35215) on the show floor.

(NOTE: To take a video tour of Verizon's home monitoring and control offering, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UbTbJdXNDA. For more information on Verizon's presence at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show, visit http://newscenter.verizon.com/verizon-at-ces-2011/. )

Beginning in January, a pilot program for Home Monitoring and Control will be conducted in New Jersey.  The homes selected for the program will be outfitted with an energy reader, smart appliance switches and thermostats, a smart power strip, a smart door and window locks, motion sensors, an advanced pan-and-tilt camera, and a fixed indoor and outdoor camera.

"What we'll be testing in these homes is just the beginning," said Eric Bruno, vice president of product management for Verizon. "We're giving customers a remote control for their homes that they can use to cut CO2 emissions and their energy bills and give them anytime, anywhere access and control of their homes. The concept of the connected home has been discussed for many years, and now Verizon's high-IQ networks are making that concept a reality by converting customers' homes into bandwidth-rich ecosystems that enable a wide variety of customizable options."

High-IQ Networks Like FiOS Are Platforms for Innovation

Since launching FiOS, Verizon has pushed the boundaries of TV and broadband speed by introducing innovations that have spurred the industry's evolution.

Verizon is the only major provider to offer ultra-high-speed symmetrical Internet service to customers, and earlier this year the company began offering 150/35 megabits per second Internet service, the fastest speeds available on a mass scale. Consumers can choose from various FiOS Internet downstream and upstream options including 15/5 Mbps, 25/25 Mbps, 35/35 Mbps and 50/20 Mbps.

Verizon also offers a Media Manager, available to all HD customers, that enables them to access PC-based personal photos, videos and music - as well as search and enjoy online videos from YouTube, blip.tv and Dailymotion. DVR customers can remotely access their DVRs from any broadband connection or Internet-enabled phone. And in November, Verizon launched Flex View, a new feature that allows customers to take their video content with them and purchase, rent or watch videos on TV, online and on select mobile devices.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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 93 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 195,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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Remodeled Verizon Plus Store Offers Customers More Hands-On Experiences

TAMPA, Fla. – November 17, 2010 –

Product demonstrations, local dignitaries and a Verizon Foundation grant to help with the prevention of domestic violence will headline the grand reopening of the newly remodeled Verizon Plus store on Fowler Ave. on Thursday (Nov. 18).

In addition to product demonstrations, the 11 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony will also feature the presentation of a $15,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation to Are You Safe to help extend the range of legal services provided to individuals and families affected by domestic violence.  Are You Safe was established this year by Tampa attorney and domestic violence survivor Natalie Baird.  The organization offers a wealth of services for survivors of domestic violence, including court advocacy to aid women in their transition from victims to survivors.  In addition, Are You Safe offers services geared toward individual economic empowerment, helping survivors gain future independence.

The Verizon store, located at 2831 E. Fowler Ave., is the second of two stores in Tampa to be recast to provide customers with as many hands-on experiences as possible, from witnessing the recently introduced FiOS Flex View multi-screen service and the speed of FiOS Internet to the impressive capabilities of the Verizon Wireless Droid Smartphones and the new tablets offered by Verizon.  The first remodeled Plus store in the Tampa Bay area opened last week in Carrollwood.  The remaining eight Bay Area Plus stores will be remodeled and available to the public throughout 2011.

"Seeing is believing, and, with that in mind, consumers will be able to visit these new stores and see for themselves what makes the services offered by Verizon and Verizon Wireless so much better," said Michelle Robinson, Verizon's Southeast region president. 

"More and more, we are leveraging the strength and capacity of two great networks - FiOS and Verizon Wireless - to bring consumers converged services in their home, in their office or on the road.  It's a broadband services experience unmatched by any other provider in the market and people can experience that first-hand at these new Plus stores," Robinson said.

The reopening celebration will continue after Wednesday's event.  Verizon, the lead sponsor of University of South Florida's athletics program, will host a USF pep rally from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 19), featuring a radio remote, parking lot games, gifts for those attending, and ticket giveaways for USF football and basketball. 

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, awards grants each year to organizations working to foster awareness and prevention of domestic violence in Florida.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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 93 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 195,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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Latest J.D. Power And Associates Study Ranks Verizon Wireless Highest In Customer Care

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – July 28, 2011 –

Verizon Wireless, provider of the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network and the fastest, most advanced 4G LTE network in the world, has been ranked highest in customer care among the major national wireless phone service providers in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Wireless Customer Care Performance StudySM– Volume 2, released today.

Verizon Wireless received a score of 770, which led the segment and was above the industry average.  The study was based on feedback gathered from wireless customers of the four major U.S. providers by J.D. Power and Associates in the first six months of 2011.

“Our goal at Verizon Wireless has consistently been to offer an outstanding customer experience, and our standing in this latest survey is yet one more signal that our customers vote us the best wireless company in the U.S.,” said John Stratton, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless.  “We will continue to work hard to ensure that our customers can count on the best network; the best service, and the best lineup of smartphones, tablets and other innovative and reliable wireless devices from the best wireless company: Verizon Wireless.”

Verizon Wireless offers customers many reasons to choose and stay with the company. Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless voice and 3G data network and the fastest, most advanced 4G LTE network in the world, and offers quality products and services backed by its award-winning customer service.  For more information about Verizon Wireless, visit www.verizonwireless.com.

The company’s “most reliable network” claim is based on network studies performed by test men and test women who conduct more than 3.5 million voice call attempts and more than 19 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless’ and other national wireless carriers’ networks while traveling more than 1 million miles in specially equipped, company-owned quality test vehicles.  For more information about Verizon Wireless testing, go to: http://aboutus.vzw.com/bestnetwork/reliability.html.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 106.3 million total wireless connections, including 89.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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Verizon Bundles Now Include Wireless Plans for Consumers in California Wireline Market

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – October 20, 2010 –

Consumers in Verizon's California wireline service area now can achieve even greater value when they get all their entertainment, information and communication services in one package.

Savings can be as high as $299 per year when bundling TV, Internet, home phone and a Verizon Wireless plan. The quad-play packages are available to customers who are served by Verizon's market-leading FiOS services or Verizon's fast, affordable digital subscriber line-based High Speed Internet (HSI), and DIRECTV® service.

For example, a bundle of 15 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 5 Mbps upstream FiOS Internet, FiOS TV Prime HD package and FiOS Digital Voice home phone service is now available for $99.99 a month, with a guaranteed rate for 24 months for new FiOS customers. This package represents a $10 a month off savings from the regular bundle price.  When a Verizon Wireless plan is added, customers receive an additional $9.99 a month off the bundle price for Internet, TV and voice service. New customers signing up online earn an additional $5 a month savings for a total annual savings of $299. Wireless plans in Verizon FiOS bundles start at $39.99 a month for 450 minutes with a two-year commitment, and will be included in the bundle price. The final bundle price will vary depending upon which wireless plan is selected.

Verizon also announced that as an added reward, new FiOS Internet, FiOS TV or new HSI and DIRECTV bundles customers in all Verizon-served states will receive a Verizon Visa® prepaid card issued by Meta BankTM valued at up to $200 - depending on which bundles and services are added - and can be used toward the purchase of a new DROID smartphone of the customers' choice.  (To view a news release containing more details, click here.)

"Verizon provides the ultimate TV experience, unmatched Internet speed and crystal-clear home phone service," said Margaret Serjak, president of Verizon's California region.  "Now, customers who add a Verizon Wireless plan to their bundles can benefit from the nation's largest, most reliable wireless 3G network."

All FiOS bundles come with Verizon's 30-day Worry-Free Guarantee allowing customers to cancel their service within 30 days of the date of activation, with no termination fee, if they are not completely satisfied. 

As another option, customers new to FiOS TV who add it to complete either a triple-play or a quad bundle can choose to receive a Home Media DVR or DVR free for one year. This option cannot be combined with the prepaid Visa card offer.

All bundles that include Verizon Wireless require ONE-BILL®, which combines charges for all Verizon services onto one monthly statement. There are numerous options for these bundles, based on the Verizon Wireless calling plan chosen and by state.

"We recognize that some customers prefer to use Verizon Wireless as their primary voice service, while others appreciate the reliable convenience and the peace of mind that comes with having a wireline home phone as well," said Serjak. "We're offering the freedom and flexibility for customers to choose the Verizon voice service or combination of services that meets their individual or family needs, together with our complete line of industry-leading home-entertainment options that are now more flexible than ever, whether you are at home or on the go."

Further information about Verizon bundles is available at www.verizon.com/bundles or by calling 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966).

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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 92 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 last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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Verizon Recognized as a Leader in the U.S. Enterprise Mobility Market

NEW YORK – January 24, 2011 –

IDC has named Verizon Communications as a leader in the U.S. enterprise mobility market in the analyst firm's recently published report, "IDC MarketScape: Mobile Enterprise Services 2010 Vendor Analysis."¹ IDC attributes Verizon's leadership position to the company's "broad range of enterprise and SMB solutions, a renewed focus on customer service and strong network reliability."

The report analyzed the primary wireless operators in the U.S. that serve the enterprise market, examining their current capabilities and the strategies they are using to attract and retain customers, and increase market share.

According to the study, "Today's tech-savvy business customers are more demanding, requiring more than basic voice and data connectivity from their mobile operator partner.  They are searching for a service provider that understands the unique needs of their business and can provide robust, reliable and flexible solutions to meet the changing needs of their company."

IDC notes that Verizon is focused on moving beyond the core access and devices it offers and on taking a more integrated approach to its sales, services and product offerings.

"Today's business culture demands that our customers have secure access to their work 24 hours a day," said Mike Lanman, president of enterprise and government for Verizon Wireless. "Verizon offers fixed/wireless solutions for business continuity, a global managed mobility portfolio, and host of enterprise applications and connected devices such as modems, smartphones and tablets that run on the nation's largest 3G network and our industry-leading 4G network."

About IDC MarketScape
IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor's position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.

¹ "IDC MarketScape: Mobile Enterprise Services 2010 Vendor Analysis ", by Carrie MacGillivray, IDC document # 225770, December 2010

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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 93 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 195,000.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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Verizon Innovation Center Celebrates Opening Day With Partners In 4G LTE Ecosystem

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. and WALTHAM, Mass. – July 13, 2011 –

Verizon today marked the official opening of the Verizon Innovation Center, located in Waltham, Mass., at the heart of the high-technology industry in the Northeast.  Conceived as a place where companies large and small, entrepreneurs and others across the LTE ecosystem would come together to create the next generation of products that wirelessly connect people, places and things, the Verizon Innovation Center stands ready to propel the development of solutions that spotlight the power and possibilities of 4G LTE.

"The Verizon Innovation Center is named after the core of who we are and what we stand for as a company: innovation.  From the outset of this project, Verizon understood that the potential for innovation is bigger than Verizon alone," said Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless.  "Today, as we officially open the Verizon Innvoation Center, we thank and congratulate everyone who has been a part of the process, and we invite everyone to join us to explore the next frontier of wireless connectivity."   

The Innovation Center, which is designed to enable and showcase products, services and solutions that take advantage of the power, speed and reach of Verizon's 4G LTE wireless network, also encompasses laboratory space where engineers and developers from across the LTE ecosystem can create and build a new generation of connected products – the kind of solutions that will help drive the growth of 4G LTE.  More than 300 technology experts work at the Innovation Center, which is comprised of two buildings with more than 135,000 square feet of labs and office space in one building and 60,000 square feet with both showcase and office space in the building being opened today. 

The ground-breaking for the new building and updates to the labs began in April 2010, and both projects were completed earlier this year.  During construction, engineers began work in the Innovation Center Labs, in October 2009, where a replica of Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network was built to allow companies to develop and test products before the commercial network launched in December 2010.  The replica 4G LTE network still exists, so developers can work on products and solutions in the lab environment, without impacting the commercial network.  To date, more than 30 products have been developed and demonstrated in the new building as well as at industry trade shows, customer meetings and other venues. 

Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson are founding participants in the Innovation Center, and Cisco and Samsung Mobile are premier participants.  Engineers and other subject matter experts from these companies work side by side with Verizon engineers on projects generated by the Innovation Center labs, and each company has a permanent display highlighting 4G LTE technology and solutions for visitors to experience on the main floor of the building.

The Verizon Innovation Center was designed by the architecture firm Nelson, in collaboration with content provider Downstream.  John Moriarty and Associates was the construction manager.  The Verizon Innovation Center is expected to achieve LEED Gold certification.

Later this summer, Verizon expects to mark opening day of a sister Innovation Center on the West Coast.  The Application Innvoation Center, located in downtown San Francisco, will be a place for application developers to hash out ideas, polish applications, and test them on Verizon's 4G LTE network before bringing them to consumers or businesses. 

For more information about the Verizon Innvoation Center, including a list of participating companies, visit http://innovation.verizon.com.  For more information about Verizon Wireless and its 4G LTE network, visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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Verizon Expands FiOS TV's Suite of Mobile Applications to More Devices

NEW YORK – October 19, 2010 –

Verizon is bringing the FiOS experience inside and outside the fiber-optic-powered digital home to more customers, with FiOS TV's Mobile Remote application, an advanced capability, now available on more than forty devices.

The FiOS TV Mobile Remote app can be downloaded to Apple's iPhone and iPod devices and will soon be available for download on tablet devices. Mobile Remote - which launched in February, on DROID by Motorola - is also available on every device running Android software v.2.1 or above that supports Wi-Fi. 

Verizon's suite of applications is available for download - at no additional cost - in the Verizon Wireless Media Store, the Android Market, Apple's App Store and BlackBerry App World.  After just one year in the market, both Verizon's DVR Manager, which lets customers manage DVR settings via their smartphone, and Mobile Remote have been downloaded more than 500,000 times. 

"Verizon continues to personalize and enhance FiOS TV by rapidly expanding our suite of mobile applications, delivering an entertainment experience far beyond what cable can offer," said Eric Bruno, vice president of product management for Verizon. "We offer choice and flexibility for our customers, with applications on multiple devices and platforms that provide a unique TV experience, available only with FiOS."

Mobile Remote lets FiOS TV high-definition subscribers use their mobile phones as a television remote control, dynamically changing the TV experience. FiOS TV subscribers can change channels, manage parental controls, pause, rewind and fast forward or record a TV show.  The application - which automatically personalizes options based on the specific smartphone connected to the set-top box, enabling customized favorites and other preferences - has virtually the same functionality as the standard FiOS TV remote. 

In addition, customers can use their mobile devices to flick stored photos from the mobile device to the TV, one photo at a time.  Customers also can access FiOS TV Video on Demand (VOD) and return to live FiOS TV programming.  Subscribers simply click on the VOD button and browse, search or purchase on-demand titles; or click on the FiOS TV button and jump to live TV when watching recorded programs, or respond to interactive prompts.

DVR Manager lets FiOS TV customers review, change or add recording requests; record an entire series; delete recorded programs; browse and search TV and VOD listings; set parental controls; check their DVR recorder status; and more - all through their mobile device, anytime, anywhere.

(For screen shots of the Mobile Remote application, visit http://newscenter.verizon.com/kit/mobile-remote/).

Verizon offers these applications across multiple carriers and mobile platforms. To see if an application is available on a particular mobile device, consumers can go to the mobile application store on the device and search "FiOS." Once set up, FiOS Mobile Remote offers features including My Photos, My Favorites, Tele-TV Mute and My Remote.

To register an Apple device, customers simply go to the FiOS TV Widget's main menu, click on Mobile Remote, find the mobile device in the list of supported phones and follow the instructions for pairing it to the HD set-top box. The customer will be prompted to install the Mobile Remote application through the Apple App Store.

FiOS provides next-generation interactive services including an advanced interactive media guide; social-networking, news and entertainment widgets; Internet videos on TV; streaming of personal videos, photos and music from home computers to the TV; and many  others.

FiOS TV offers a broad collection of programming that includes more than 520 all-digital channels with up to 140 HD channels and 18,000 monthly video-on-demand titles. FiOS Internet offers the country's top-rated broadband service, with download speeds of up to 50 Mbps (megabits per second) and upload speeds of up to 35 Mbps.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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 92 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 last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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Verizon Extends Free FiOS Mobile App to Apple iPad

NEW YORK – December 21, 2010 –

Verizon continues to create the future of TV by bringing to consumers more advanced mobile-entertainment capabilities on more devices.  FiOS TVcustomers who also have Apple's iPad can now download and use Verizon's free FiOS Mobile application, which lets customers manage their DVRs and browse FiOS video-on-demand (VOD) offers remotely, plus turn their iPad into a remote control for their HD set-top boxes.

"Verizon is pushing the boundaries of TV with innovative technology that continues to spur the industry's evolution," said Eric Bruno, vice president of product management for Verizon.  "We're giving customers more control over their TV entertainment whenever and wherever they want it.  Extending our FiOS Mobile app to customers using iPads gives more subscribers more ways to conveniently manage their FiOS TV services."

Verizon started offering customers the ability to use their mobile device as a remote control earlier this year.  The feature is available on more than 40 mobile devices running Android software v.2.1 or above or that support Wi-Fi.  It is also available on the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch.

Now, FiOS TV subscribers can use their iPad as a virtual television remote control for their HD set top boxes.  The application automatically personalizes options based on the tablet connected to the set-top box, enabling customized favorites and other preferences, and has virtually the same functionality as the standard FiOS TV remote.

Customers can change channels; manage parental controls; and pause, rewind and fast forward or record a TV show.  Subscribers can also click on the video-on-demand (VOD) button and browse and search on-demand titles; or click on the FiOS TV button and jump to live TV when watching recorded programs.

With FiOS Mobile, FiOS TV customers can use their iPad to remotely manage their DVR settings whether they are in their home and away from the TV set, or on the go.  Subscribers can review, change or add recording requests; record an entire series; delete recorded programs; browse and search TV and VOD listings; set parental controls; check their DVR recorder status; and more.

Verizon plans to add new features to the FiOS Mobile application over the next few months, including photo flicking for the iPad, which allows customers to use their tablet to flick stored photos from the iPad to the TV, one photo at a time.
Verizon offers interactive applications across multiple carriers and mobile platforms.  To use the iPad mobile remote feature, customers simply go to the FiOS TV Widget's main menu, click on "Mobile Remote," find the mobile device on the list of supported phones, and follow the instructions for pairing it to the HD set-top box.  The customer will be prompted to install the Mobile Remote application through the Apple App Store.

Verizon Wireless offers three bundles, all featuring an iPad Wi-Fi model and a Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot. The MiFi 2200 is small enough to fit in a pocket and allows customers to create a personal Wi-Fi cloud capable of sharing the high-speed Internet connectivity of the Verizon Wireless 3G Mobile Broadband network with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

The bundles begin at a suggested retail price of $629.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 16GB plus MiFi, $729.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 32GB plus MiFi and $829.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 64GB plus MiFi. Verizon Wireless is offering a monthly access plan to iPad customers of up to 1GB of data for just $20 a month. In addition, Verizon Wireless will also offer all three iPad Wi-Fi models on a stand-alone basis.

FiOS provides next-generation interactive services including an advanced interactive media guide; social-networking, news and entertainment widgets; Internet videos on TV; streaming of personal videos, photos and music from home computers to the TV; and many  others.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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 93 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 195,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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Verizon Statement on President's Signing of 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act

WASHINGTON – October 8, 2010 –

President Obama, at a White House ceremony on Friday (Oct. 8), signed legislation to improve access to video, Internet and wireless communications for Americans with disabilities.  Approved by Congress last month, the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 updates the disability access provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.  The following statement should be attributed to Kathryn Brown, Verizon senior vice president of public policy development and corporate responsibility, who attended the White House signing ceremony:

"It was moving to see President Obama sign this important legislation into law.  This is the result of the hard work and dedication of disability advocates represented by the Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology, which understands the value that 21st century technologies play in people's lives.  This law will ensure that millions of Americans with disabilities have greater access to new broadband services and technologies.  We appreciate the president's leadership and the important work that was done in Congress to get the job done right.  Verizon is pleased to have played a role in the process, working with lawmakers, other companies and affected stakeholders."

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Verizon Launches Personalized FiOS Service Bundles With More Choices and More Flexibility

NEW YORK – June 6, 2011 –

Recognizing that all digital lifestyles are not the same, Verizon has created new options for customers to personalize their FiOS service bundles to best meet their individual voice, broadband and home-entertainment needs.

Previously, consumers were limited to the Internet speeds and number of TV channels assigned to specific FiOS bundles and price points.  With this change, consumers will be able to choose and mix services to customize their bundles -- at a cost of just $5 to $10 a month in additional incremental charges.  Discounts are also available to new customers who order triple-play bundles online.

"For some customers, broadband Internet speed is more important than a lot of TV options; for others, robust TV rules the household; and some customers want it all," said Mike Ritter, Verizon chief marketing officer for consumer and business services.  "Now, our FiOS customers have more options for personalizing their Internet or TV services to satisfy all their needs."

All the new FiOS-only choices include Verizon's Worry-Free Guarantee of no term contract requirement, a premium installation and in-home demonstration, plus a follow-up satisfaction call.  Customers can visit www.verizon.com to see if FiOS service is available to them, and to easily and conveniently build and order their bundles online.  Two-year term contracts are required when Verizon Wireless service is added to any bundle.

Verizon's new, flexible service choices give customers the freedom to build a personalized bundle of FiOS Digital Voice, Internet and TV service that fits their individual needs.  For example, consumers who are well-established in their lives and have active careers could find social networking and a lot of video and photo uploading more important than top-tier television programming.  In this case, consumers can start with a triple-play bundle at $99.99 per month that offers broadband Internet speeds of up to 15 Mbps (megabits per second) downstream/5 Mbps upstream, and for $5 more per month increase their speed to 25 Mbps/25 Mbps.

If they add an additional $5 more per month ($109.99 total per month), they gain access to 35 Mbps/35 Mbps broadband Internet speeds - and can enjoy 233 TV channels including more than 50 in HD.

Some young families might find that 15 Mbps/5 Mbps speeds are plenty for their Internet needs - but the more TV, the better.  In that case, they can select the triple-play bundle at $99.99 per month, and for an extra $10 per month ($109.99 total per month) move up to a FiOS TV service with 324 channels including 80 in HD.  For $10 per month more ($119.99 per month), they can enjoy 391 channels with more than 100 in HD.

And for those customers who want it all, Verizon continues to offer a triple-play bundle with 35 Mbps/35 Mbps and 391 TV channels for $129.99 a month*.  Customers can also choose combinations of $5 and $10 increments added to the monthly starting price of $99.99 to create a bundle somewhere in between.

New customers who order online can go to Verizon's featured bundles page, click on the Bundle Builder link and, for a limited time, receive a $10 per month online discount on their triple-play bundle.  Verizon Wireless customers adding a new FiOS bundle or FiOS customers adding a qualifying Verizon Wireless calling plan can receive up to a $10 per month discount on their bundle.  Verizon's One Bill and a two-year contract are also required for the additional discount.  Customized FiOS double-play bundles are also available.

Hispanic households can also customize bundles, starting with Verizon's La Conexion and Spanish-language bundles.  More information is available at Verizon's new Spanish-language FiOS site, http://enciendetefios.com/.

For more information or to start building a bundle, consumers can also call 1-800-VERIZON (800-837-4966).

* All prices shown are for qualified new customers, represent base bundle pricing and do not include costs for additional set-top boxes, premium channels, other customer preferences, local taxes and fees.  Base pricing may vary from market to market as does the total number of HD channels by market.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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, with more than 104 million total connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 196,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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Verizon Offers Additional Rewards for Internet, TV and Voice Bundles

NEW YORK – October 20, 2010 –

Verizon's FiOS and High Speed Internet service bundles now come with an additional reward: a Verizon Visa® prepaid card worth up to $200 toward the purchase of a new DROID smartphone of the customer's choice.

"We're enhancing the value for our TV and broadband customers by adding another screen to their viewing options with this DROID smartphone offer," said Mike Ritter, Verizon's chief marketing officer for consumer wireline and business services. "FiOS customers can now enjoy their favorite movies and photos, plus more, on their TV, laptop, home computer and DROID screen, with the crystal-clear programming of Verizon's fiber-to-the-home network and the largest, most reliable wireless 3G network.

"HSI-bundle subscribers can also use their new DROID to tune in to outstanding mobile viewing opportunities offered by DIRECTV® as well as other video services like YouTube," Ritter added. "The mobile video experiences we are creating through Verizon's advanced fiber and wireless networks are on a steady path of continual enhancement and will only become more versatile in the months ahead."

A Verizon Visa prepaid card issued by Meta BankTM is available for customers choosing either FiOS or HSI copper-line-based bundles, including all quad-, triple- and double-play bundles.

In addition, Verizon announced that quad-play bundles of Internet, TV, home phone and wireless service are now available in all Verizon landline service areas, with the expansion of the bundles to the company's markets in California, Florida and Texas. (To view a news release containing more details, click here.)

New Verizon customers who sign up for FiOS TV and Internet service will receive a $200 reward card that can be used for the DROID phone of their choice when they add FiOS home phone service to two-year triple-play bundles starting at $90 a month and add a qualifying Verizon Wireless calling plan. That represents an additional $9.99-a-month discount off the same FiOS bundle. Verizon Wireless voice plans start at $39.99 a month with the FiOS bundles, and unlimited wireless data plans are available for $29.99 a month, with a two-year commitment.

New FiOS customers get an additional discount of $5 a month for 24 months off the price of a triple-play bundle when they sign up online.

FiOS customers adding either new TV or new Internet service to a double-, triple- or quad-play bundle are eligible for a $100 reward card.

The $200 reward card, which can be redeemed anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, also is available with new triple-play bundles of Verizon HSI, Freedom Essentials calling plan and DIRECTV® CHOICE XTRATM, starting at $99.99 a month for a year. Customers who add new HSI to their Verizon voice service, or add voice service to their existing HSI service to create a new double-play bundle will be eligible for a $100 reward card. They can also get a $100 reward card if they add a new wireless plan to their existing double bundle of HSI and voice service.

All FiOS bundles come with Verizon's 30-day Worry-Free Guarantee allowing customers to cancel their service within 30 days of the date of activation, with no termination fee, if they are not completely satisfied. 

All bundles that include Verizon Wireless require ONE-BILL®, which combines charges for all Verizon services onto one monthly statement. There are numerous options for these bundles, based on the Verizon Wireless calling plan chosen, by state and by broadband eligibility.

Further details on the Verizon bundle plans are available by calling 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966).

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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 92 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 last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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Verizon Hails Public-Private Partnership to Aid Emergency Preparedness in New York City

WASHINGTON – May 10, 2011 –

Verizon Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ivan Seidenberg, federal agency officials, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and representatives from AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile announced on Tuesday (May 10) plans to deploy the Personal Localized Alerting Network in New York City by December 31, more than three months earlier than the April 2012 deployment date set by the federal government.

The announcement of PLAN, also known as the Commercial Mobile Alert Service, included Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski and Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The FCC established PLAN to allow participating wireless providers to send emergency alerts as textlike messages to their subscribers. The network will allow FEMA to accept and aggregate alerts from authorized federal, state and local government officials, and then send the alerts over a secure interface to participating wireless providers, which will distribute the alerts to subscribers.

"This project is a great example of the government and private sectors coming together to accomplish something for the public good," Seidenberg said. "Verizon supported the legislation behind this initiative, and we have been involved at every step of the way in developing the rules that will make this service work."

Verizon will also have PLAN-capable handsets available by the end of 2011. 

"As a company whose headquarters are across the street from the site of the World Trade Towers, Verizon is acutely aware of the critical public safety issues in New York City," Seidenberg said.  "We're committed to using our technology to put these empowering new tools in our customers' hands, and we are proud to do our part in helping create a safer, more secure society."

In addition to New York City, Verizon will also deploy the Personal Localized Alerting Network in Washington, D.C., by the end of the year.  

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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, with more than 104 million total connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 196,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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Verizon Foundation Awards $100,000 Grant to Sight Savers America to Expand Its School-Based Rural Health Care Program

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – May 18, 2011 –

The Verizon Foundation on Wednesday (May 18) awarded Sight Savers America a $100,000 grant to expand the use of wireless technology for the organization's KidCheck Program, a K-12 school-based health initiative that provides annual comprehensive health screenings for children in participating school systems. 

The grant builds on a successful Verizon Foundation grant in 2010 that piloted the use of wireless KidCheck technology in four schools in the Bullock County School System.  The technology was developed by Auburn University.

Jeff Mango, president - Georgia/Alabama region of Verizon Wireless, said the grant has the potential to affect the lives of more than 16,000 Alabama students, particularly in rural areas of the state. 

"We see the exciting potential of technology to help address disparities in the access to quality health care in rural areas," Mango said. "Verizon is proud to help Sight Savers build on the initial success of the KidCheck partnership. Supporting programs that use technology to improve access to health care is among Verizon's top priorities."

Jeff Haddox, founder and CEO of Sight Savers, said the new grant will expand the program to an additional eight to 10 school systems and link the KidCheck database in real time with the Sight Savers database.

"In the past, KidCheck used a manual screening process, leaving school nurses with the daunting task of going through a stack of paperwork, reaching out to parents, and sending follow-up paperwork to Sight Savers and various health care providers," Haddox said. "This often took months, which slowed the coordination of follow-up care for the children." 

The Verizon Foundation grant will fund the hardware and software needed to make the KidCheck screening process completely paperless.  The grant will fund a central information repository so data can be kept electronically.  Additionally, the grant will fund the training of this new technology for participating college nursing school faculty and students who administer the KidCheck screenings.

To date, KidCheck has been implemented in more than 35 Alabama school systems, in conjunction with more than 20 Alabama two- and four-year college nursing schools.  During KidCheck, eight to 10 stations are set up in a school gym to screen for height and weight; heart, blood pressure and respiratory rates; and to provide eye, ear, nose and throat exams.  Sight Savers provides case-managed follow-up care for children failing a KidCheck vision screening.  

"Sight Savers intends to use this grant to take KidCheck to a whole new level and to build an unmatched health care network for children in need that will set the bar for other states," Haddox said. "Verizon is making it possible for Alabama to lead the nation in preventative health screenings in our schools."

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, uses its technology, financial resources and partnerships to address critical social issues, with a focus on education and domestic violence prevention. In 2010, the foundation awarded nearly $67 million to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

KidCheck became a department of Sight Savers America in February.  KidCheck was initially launched by Governor Bob Riley in 2008 as a state program and was led by the Alabama Rural Action Commission with the strong support of the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).  The Sight Savers America KidCheck Program has continued strategic partnerships with Governor Robert Bentley's Administration and various state agencies including ALSDE, ADPH, and the Alabama Rural Development Office.

Sight Savers is a Birmingham-based nonprofit working in eight states and reaching approximately 250,000 students. The organization coordinates all necessary follow-up eye care services from the State Vision Program that screens every kindergarten, second grade and fourth grade public school student in Alabama. Sight Savers unique case management protocol ensures that qualifying children receive free follow-up eye care treatment including eye glasses, vision aids and even necessary eye surgery.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: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, with more than 104 million total connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 196,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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