Verizon Communications Declares Quarterly Dividend

March 2, 2006, NEW YORK – The Board of Directors of Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) today declared a quarterly dividend of 40.5 cents per outstanding share, unchanged from the previous quarter. The dividend is payable on May 1, 2006, to Verizon Communications shareowners of record at the close of business on April 10, 2006.

Verizon has approximately 2.7 million shareowners and approximately 2.9 billion shares of common stock outstanding. The company made $4.4 billion in dividend payments in 2005.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other communication innovations to wireline and wireless customers. Verizon operates America’s most reliable wireless network, serving 51.3 million customers nationwide; one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks; and one of the nation’s premier wireline networks, serving home, business and wholesale customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of approximately 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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Bob Varettoni

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Verizon Communications Inc.

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