Verizon Invests More Than $1.1 Million to Better Serve Customers in 7 Western Pennsylvania Towns

Company Upgrades Local Telecommunications Network

August 31, 2005

PITTSBURGH -- Verizon customers in seven western Pennsylvania towns will have improved communications as the result of a $1,149,000 investment the company has made in its local telecommunications network. Verizon is installing new equipment, including advanced power systems that enable the company to provide critical telecommunications services in the event of a commercial power disruption.

This equipment also allows Verizon to more efficiently monitor power systems and diagnose potential network power problems, thus increasing reliability in the Verizon network, and will support advanced telecommunications technologies.

The new equipment is being deployed in company call-switching centers in the following towns: Bessemer, Big Run, Blairsville, Braddock, Claysville, Mercer and Sharpsville. The company expects to complete the project by the end of this year.

In addition to this investment, Verizon is constructing its new fiber-to-the-premises network in portions of western, central and southeastern Pennsylvania. Verizon is currently rolling out its high-speed FiOS (FYE’-ose) Internet Service in a number of Pennsylvania communities.

“The latest power supply improvement project underlines Verizon’s commitment to build and maintain a state-of-the-art telecommunications network throughout Pennsylvania,” said James V. O’Rourke, president and CEO of Verizon Pennsylvania. “We continue to upgrade our infrastructure to provide rural, suburban and urban customers with better quality service, as well as the platform for high-speed access to the Internet, work-at-home capabilities and a host of other innovative services.”

Verizon has invested nearly $9 billion in its telecommunications network across the commonwealth over the last 10 years.

“We are building an advanced telecommunications network that will stimulate job and income growth and will make Pennsylvania one of the most attractive locations for corporations and individuals,” O’Rourke said.

In addition to deploying the latest technology, Verizon Pennsylvania offers a complete range of telecommunications services, including local, regional and long-distance calling, as well as high-speed data and Internet and wireless services. The Verizon Freedom bundle of services offers the convenience of one bill and very attractive discounts for customers who subscribe to several Verizon services.

With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world’s leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of more than 214,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom provides customers based in 28 states with wireline and other telecommunications services, including broadband. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation’s most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com

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Ells Edwards

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Verizon

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