Company Makes DSL High-Speed Internet Service Available to 187,000 More Phone
Lines Across State in 2004
HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- More Pennsylvania consumers and
businesses are benefiting from one of the nation's most advanced broadband
telecommunications networks, thanks to Verizon's aggressive network investment
in the state.
The company expects to make Verizon Online DSL high-speed Internet service
available on about 187,000 additional telephone lines across the Keystone
State this year. Currently, approximately 80 percent of Verizon's
Pennsylvania phone lines are qualified for DSL service.
"Verizon is delivering on its promise to provide broadband capability
throughout the commonwealth," said Verizon Pennsylvania President and CEO
James V. O'Rourke. "Our investment in new network technology will improve
Pennsylvania's economy, bring new jobs to the state and improve the standard
of living for all residents."
Verizon has invested more than $8.5 billion in its Pennsylvania network
while operating over the last decade under an alternative regulation plan
known as Chapter 30.
"We want to provide the technology Pennsylvania needs for success in the
21st century by investing in the broadband future as aggressively as we can,"
O'Rourke said. "The boundless potential of broadband is creating new
opportunities for consumers, small and large businesses and entrepreneurs who
use our networks."
Examples of Verizon's most recent additions of DSL-capable lines in
Pennsylvania include 8,000 lines in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County; 5,000
lines in Ellwood City, Lawrence County; 4,000 lines in Hollidaysburg, Blair
County; 10,000 lines in the Poconos area; and more than 5,000 lines in several
Berks County towns.
Currently, Verizon Online is offering its basic consumer DSL service for
$29.95 per month in an annual service plan or when purchased in combination
with Verizon Freedom or another Verizon local or long-distance bundle. This
service offers a maximum connection speed of 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second)
downstream and 384 Kbps (kilobits per second) upstream.
Verizon Online has also enhanced its DSL service by introducing a
super-fast maximum Internet connection speed of 3 Mbps (megabits per second)
downstream and 768 Kbps (kilobits per second) upstream for as low as $39.95
per month in an annual service plan when purchased as part of a package of
calling services. In addition, the company has lowered the cost of its
entry-level business service.
"The surest way to fuel growth in telecommunications is to adopt public
policies that foster competition and investment in technology of the future,"
O'Rourke said. "The state Senate currently is considering legislation that
would do just that.
"We urge the General Assembly and the governor to approve this
legislation, which will encourage investment that will deliver long-term
economic benefits to all Pennsylvanians."
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) is one of the world's leading
providers of communications services. With a diverse work force of
approximately 208,000, Verizon has four business units: Domestic Telecom
serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services,
including broadband, nationwide long-distance and other services. Verizon
Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network,
serving 42.1 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 http://www.verizon.com.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches
and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other
information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at
http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the
News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news
releases.
SOURCE Verizon
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.verizon.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html
CONTACT:
Lee Gierczynski, +1-412-633-5574,
lee.j.gierczynski@verizon.com, or Sharon Shaffer,
+1-215-963-6200, sharon.b.shaffer@verizon.com, both of Verizon
|
