Verizon and GN Netcom Bring Exclusive Line of Broadband Headsets to Market

New Licensing Agreement Complements Verizon’s Advanced Broadband Services

July 26, 2006, NEW YORK and NASHUA, N.H. -- Verizon, a leader in delivering broadband services, and GN Netcom, a world leader in innovative hands-free audio solutions, today announced a licensing agreement to introduce a series of Verizon-branded headsets for use with broadband services and applications, including online gaming and IP telephony.

The headsets complement the retail sale of Verizon broadband products and services and leverage the capabilities of Verizon’s networks, including high-speed DSL and the company’s new, advanced fiber-optic network, which delivers high-quality voice, data and video services at unprecedented speeds. GN Netcom will produce, ship, and provide technical and customer support for the broadband headsets. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We will enhance our customers’ broadband experiences by offering them innovative headsets that are hands-free, convenient and have superb sound quality,” said Andrea Fant-Hobbs, vice president of brand management and media services for Verizon. “The headsets are the perfect complement to our services, including online gaming, music, video and other entertainment services. Our relationship with GN Netcom directly supports our commitment to provide our customers richer, deeper, broader communications experiences.”

David Wood, senior vice president and general manager for GN Netcom’s North American operations, said, “As the use of broadband applications continues to rise, so does the need for high-quality headsets. Together with Verizon, we are responding to this increased demand as more consumers realize the benefits of headsets, including increased freedom and functionality across broadband applications.”

The licensing agreement provides Verizon and GN Netcom with a complementary distribution opportunity in the marketplace, while allowing GN Netcom the opportunity to further penetrate and expand into new headset segments such as telephone accessories, online gaming, VoIP and Web calling.

The agreement between Verizon and GN Netcom was facilitated by Brandgenuity LLC, a New York-based licensing agency. Louis Drogin, managing director at Brandgenuity, said, “We are excited to bring one of the most trusted brands in communications that is also one of the most respected companies in the world together with the global market leader in headsets.”

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, 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 53 million customers nationwide. Verizon Business operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks. Verizon Telecom is deploying the nation’s most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

About GN Netcom
Through its Jabra and GN Netcom brands, GN Netcom is a world leader in innovative hands-free audio solutions. With 1,800 employees and sales offices around the world, GN Netcom develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of wireless and corded headsets for mobile consumers and office and contact centre professionals. GN Netcom’s business activities also include its original equipment manufacturing (OEM) business. GN Netcom is part of GN Store Nord, which has been helping people communicate since 1869. GN Store Nord is a listed company on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange.
www.gn.com, www.gnnetcom.com, www.jabra.com

Contact Information

Cliff Lee

Media contact

Verizon Communications Inc.

Contact via E-mail