News Release

FCC Decision Speeds Cable TV Competition

Agency Puts Consumer Video Choice on 'Fast Forward,' Guyer says

December 20, 2006

NEW YORK -- The Federal Communications Commission today took steps to speed the entry of new competitors into the cable television market by streamlining the local franchising process through which companies gain approvals to offer subscription television services.  The following statement should be attributed to Susanne Guyer, Verizon senior vice president for federal regulatory affairs.

"Today's action will fast-forward the delivery of new choices, lower prices and better services to consumers.  The FCC is standing up for consumers who are tired of skyrocketing cable bills and want greater choice in service providers and programming.  Verizon has an aggressive schedule to deploy FiOS TV.  This order will enable us to reach agreements with local franchise authorities more quickly so we can deliver the benefits of competition to consumers faster.  The FCC has taken strong steps to increase consumer choice and spur investment in broadband and video deployment."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a New York-based 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 nearly 57 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks, and Verizon Telecom, which is deploying the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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