Verizon Touts NJ Investment

NEWARK, N.J. -- New Jersey consumers and businesses are served by one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in the country, thanks to an aggressive network investment program by Verizon during 2001. The company spent more than $1 billion to modernize, expand and upgrade the vast telecommunications network and systems that serve the Garden State. The funds were used primarily to expand the company's fiber-optic facilities and to continue adding the latest technology to Verizon's 214 call-routing centers throughout the state. "Verizon's state-of the-art network provides our New Jersey customers with the benefits of the latest telecommunications applications and unsurpassed reliability," said Verizon New Jersey President Dennis M. Bone. In a move that will bring New Jersey residents and businesses the benefits of all-out competition for their telecommunications services, Verizon Communications on Dec. 20 filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to offer long-distance in New Jersey. The FCC has until March 20 to decide. Verizon Communications Inc.