Verizon, Yahoo! Team on DSL

NEW YORK, and SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Verizon Communications and Yahoo! Inc. today began offering a new, fully integrated DSL service to Verizon Online DSL subscribers in 28 states and the District of Columbia. The service, named Verizon Yahoo! for DSL, combines the strengths of the two companies, including a range of broadband speeds at affordable prices and a wide variety of premium Yahoo! features at no additional charge.

Verizon today also introduced a new, entry-level consumer DSL Internet access service with a maximum connection speed of 768 Kbps (kilobits per second) downstream and 128 Kbps upstream for $14.95 a month with an annual service agreement, designed to attract dial-up users to broadband. [Editors: See separate news release.]

Verizon Yahoo! for DSL provides customers with the benefits of Verizon, one of the world's leading providers of communications services, and Yahoo!, the leading Internet destination and world's most recognized global Internet brand. Starting today, Verizon Yahoo! for DSL will be the default choice for all new Verizon DSL customers. Current DSL subscribers will also have the opportunity to select Verizon Yahoo! service later this week.

"Our alliance with Yahoo! is great news for consumers, because Verizon Yahoo! for DSL includes premium content and features that would cost up to $200 a year if purchased separately," said Bob Ingalls, president of Verizon's Retail Markets Group. "We're excited to offer our subscribers a choice of premium online experiences that now includes industry-leading Internet services from Yahoo!"

Dan Rosensweig, chief operating officer, Yahoo! Inc., said, "Yahoo! brings a unique blend of innovative Web services, deep experience in partnering with broadband service providers, and strong brand stature to this alliance. This preferred relationship with Verizon underscores Yahoo!'s success in partnering with access providers to create a powerful broadband Internet experience that delivers the most value to consumers."

The companies will gear up aggressive marketing campaigns on the Yahoo! network and through Verizon advertising, designed to attract new customers directly to the co-branded offering. Through this alliance, Verizon and Yahoo! expect to help increase broadband demand, as well as win converts from cable broadband access.

Verizon Communications Inc.