U.S. Conference of Mayors Applauds Verizon for Creating Internet Access Program in the City of Elizabeth

’Innovative Access’ Initiative Enables More Than 13,000 City Residents to Surf the Web.

NEWARK, N.J. - The U.S. Conference of Mayors recognized Verizon for creating an Internet access program that enables more than 13,000 Elizabeth residents to surf the Web.

At a Conference of Mayors meeting in Washington, Verizon was praised for its partnership with the city of Elizabeth. Under a program called Innovative Access - Expanding Opportunities and Creating Effective Services, Verizon provided more than $200,000 in computer equipment and deeply discounted Internet access rates for the city’s libraries. The city, in turn, is making Internet access available to tens of thousands of residents, including more than 13,000 who are participating in the Innovative Access program at the libraries.

The Elizabeth Main Public Library installed 200 computer stations throughout the building. All are networked through the Innovative Access program.

“This is a prime example of how Verizon and a city government can work together in bringing state-of-the-art technology to city residents, including those who can least afford it,” said Dennis Bone, president of Verizon New Jersey.

“We’re utilizing the tremendous power behind our Access New Jersey program to help make these connections possible,” said Bone, “and we’re working with mayors from around the state to make our cities and towns more competitive in the high-tech global marketplace.”

The Innovative Access program uses Verizon’s Access New Jersey network, which connects with points around the state and around the world. Over the past several years, Verizon has invested more than $150 million in the program. The initiative has been used in multiple ways including connecting families in New Jersey with military members stationed abroad, as well as connecting researchers in the Panamanian rain forest with numerous classrooms in New Jersey.