Verizon Web Calling Lets ‘Windows Live Messenger’ Customers Place Calls from Their Computers to Virtually Any Phone, Locally and Around the Globe

June 20, 2006, NEW YORK -- With the click of a mouse, the more than 240 million users of Windows Live Messenger now can place affordable outbound local, long-distance and international calls from their computers to virtually any phone through Verizon Web Calling. The new service is exclusively available on Windows Live Messenger, beginning today.

The next generation of MSN Messenger, the world’s most widely used instant messaging service, Windows Live Messenger goes beyond text instant-messaging to connect people with voice, video and more. It also acts as a window to the Internet, connecting people to their e-mail, blogs, search functions and other Windows Live services.

“Verizon uses the best and most reliable technologies to provide customers with a wide variety of calling options, including wireless, wireline, voice over IP and other high quality voice services, said Eileen Cassidy, vice president – voice and bundle solutions for Verizon. ”We’re excited about using the strength, reach and reliability of our global network to create new options for people who want to use their broadband connections to easily and affordably make calls while online. Verizon Web Calling is a great match for our customers using our popular DSL and advanced FiOS high-speed Internet services"

Windows Live Messenger customers who purchase Verizon Web Calling can place calls to more than 220 countries with rates starting at less than 2 cents per minute to landline phones in the United States, Canada, and many countries in Western Europe. These low rates apply no matter where customers call from – as long as they can use their computer and a broadband connection. To celebrate the launch, customers purchasing Verizon Web Calling now will receive up to one hour of free calls to talk to friends and family around the world.

Verizon Web Calling lets customers dial calls from a computer to phones virtually anywhere, including cell phones, by simply clicking an entry within their contact list or by typing a phone number into the Windows Live Call online dialpad.

Verizon manages customer registration, terminating calls, customer account management, customer support and billing for the PC-to-phone service, and works closely with Microsoft on delivering a high-quality software service and customer experience.

U.S. customers can sign up for Verizon Web Calling via the Windows Live Messenger software program and can purchase prepaid calling time from Verizon in $5, $10 or $25 blocks for use with the service. The service is also localized and available in 10 European countries. Detailed information about the service, including ordering, availability and pricing, can be found by visiting www.msn.com, downloading Windows Live Messenger and clicking on the phone icon.

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.

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Bobbi Henson

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Verizon Communications Inc.

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