Verizon Online Offers Premiere Access to SOAPNETIC, Feeding the Craving of Passionate Soap Fans

From Mini Vignettes to Insider Coverage: All the Hottest Soap Scoops Only for Verizon Online Consumer Broadband Customers

April 18, 2006, BASKING RIDGE, N.J. -- Verizon Online consumer broadband customers now get exclusive access to SOAPNETIC, a new broadband channel dedicated to soap opera fans. SOAPNETIC, launched last night (April 17) by Disney-ABC Television Group, provides comprehensive coverage of all nine current network TV soap operas; access to content from SOAPnet, the 24-hour all soap network; and original programming.

“Only Verizon offers its broadband customers the chance to expand their enjoyment of soaps with exclusive online entertainment and news programming from SOAPNETIC,” said Bill Heilig, executive director, Verizon Broadband Services. “It is a great addition to our broadband content lineup and is yet another example of our focus on bringing customers the entertainment they crave in new and innovative ways.”

SOAPNETIC showcases the original lifestyle mini-vignette exclusives “My Hometown” and “Beyond Soaps,” as well as the world premiere of the new season of SOAPnet�s “One Minute Soaps”. Additionally, SOAPNETIC offers full-episode online debuts of SOAPnet�s “I Wanna Be A Soap Star III,” insider coverage of the soap world�s hottest events including ABC Daytime�s Super Soap Weekend, and other never-before-seen footage that users won�t find on television.

“Knowing that soap fans are passionate about their soaps and want to connect their favorite shows on every platform they interact with, we are pleased to be able to offer SOAPNETIC to Verizon Online consumer broadband customers alongside our other broadband products including ESPN360, ABC News Now, Disney Connection and Movies.com Max,” said Matt Murphy, senior vice president, broadband and interactive sales, Disney and ESPN Networks Affiliate Sales and Marketing.

When accessed at broadbandbeat.verizon.net/TV, via Verizon�s DSL or FiOS Internet access service, SOAPNETIC allows viewers to control the soap programming they want to watch. Whether sampling from themed video collections or sorting the video programming based on star, show or genre, soap fans are in control. For more information about Verizon�s continuously growing portfolio of broadband services and content, delivered over reliable, advanced networks, visit www.verizon.com.

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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Megan Cook

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Verizon Communications Inc.

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