Delaware Supports Verizon Bid

DOVER, Del. -- The Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) today unanimously agreed to support Verizon's upcoming application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking approval to provide long-distance service in the state. The company asked the PSC's support in a Feb. 1, 2002, filing. Verizon soon will submit its Delaware application to the FCC, which will then have 90 days to decide on Verizon's request. The following response should be attributed to Joshua W. Martin III, president, Verizon Delaware. "With today's strong pro-competition decision by the PSC, Delaware consumers and businesses are another step closer to the significant savings and choices that full telecommunications competition will bring. "The PSC's support will be a critical factor as Verizon seeks federal approval to offer long-distance service in Delaware. We've successfully demonstrated that the local telecom market here is irreversibly open to competition, and we are confident that the FCC will agree that it's time for Verizon long distance in Delaware." Verizon Communications Inc.