Verizon Customers Can Get High Speed Internet Bundles With More Speed and Value in 2010

NEW YORK, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon kicks off its 2010 High-Speed Internet (HSI) offers by adding even greater value to its copper-network-based bundles.  Starting Monday (Jan 18), qualifying customers can order double- or triple-play bundles with up to 7.1 megabits per second (Mbps)* HSI for the same price as bundles with up to 3 Mbps, a $10 per month rate reduction.  Verizon's 7.1 Mbps HSI is now available to more than half of all households across the Verizon footprint where HSI is offered.

Consumers in select Verizon regions can also order quad-play bundles at the new 7.1 Mbps bundle price.

In addition, new voice and HSI customers ordering qualifying double-, triple- or quad-play bundles are eligible for their choice of a Compaq Mini netbook** (valued at $299) or $150 back via a Verizon Visa® Prepaid card*** along with the other incentives.  These incentives make it a great time for consumers, especially cable customers, to switch to Verizon.

Existing Verizon customers who add either new home voice or High Speed Internet in a qualifying bundle are eligible to receive a $100 Verizon Visa Prepaid card along with the other incentives.  

Bundles eligible for these great offers include the triple play featuring Verizon Freedom Essentials unlimited local and long-distance calling, up to 3 or 7.1 Mbps HSI and DIRECTV's PLUS DVR™ service, including a free DVR upgrade and free SHOWTIME® for one year; and the double play with Verizon Freedom Essentials and up to 3 or 7.1 Mbps HSI.  

Customers who sign up now can get all this value for just $94.99 per month for the triple play and $69.99 per month for the double play, with the prices guaranteed for 12 months.  One-year Verizon agreements and two-year DIRECTV agreements apply.  Additional triple plays with HD and premium content, and quad plays with Verizon Wireless service in the Northeast and Potomac markets are also eligible.      

Customers who use self-service ordering tools and order online at www.verizon.com/connected will receive additional savings.

"We're focused on enriching the value of our HSI bundles for our customers," said Susan Retta, Verizon vice president of consumer product management.  "Every day, reliable broadband service becomes more important for consumers who want efficiency in their daily lives while also staying on top of opportunities available via the Internet.  So as we start the year, offering our fastest HSI speeds at a reduced price, coupled with the all-digital quality of DIRECTV service, puts our customers squarely in the value-driver's seat."

Triple-play bundles that feature up to 1 Mbps HSI, Verizon Freedom Value and the DIRECTV® CHOICE™ package are offered at $84.99 per month for 12 months.  Double-play bundles that feature Verizon Freedom voice options with either HSI or DIRECTV programming are also available, many at carryover or lower pricing from 2009, and range from $54.99 to $89.99 per month for 12 months.  One-year Verizon agreements and two-year DIRECTV agreements apply.  

New HSI customers with Verizon home voice service who do not opt for a bundle can order the broadband service for $19.99, $29.99 or $39.99 per month for up to 1, 3 or 7.1 Mbps service, respectively, and enjoy a lifetime price guarantee as long as they maintain the same tier of service and Verizon HSI is available at their service location.

Customers who order an up-to-3 Mbps/768 Kbps (kilobits per second) or up-to-7.1 Mbps/768 Kbps bundle can use the netbook to connect to thousands of free Verizon Wi-Fi hot spots across the country at no additional charge as part of their broadband service.  Verizon Wi-Fi hot-spot locations include hotels, airports, restaurants, coffee shops, retailers, convention centers and public locations.  For a list of hot-spot locations, visit www.verizon.net/hotspots.

Verizon's Value Added Services have also been enhanced with savings to start the year, offering Internet security packages for up to three computers and data storage capability of up to 50 gigabits with prices ranging from $10 to $30 per month (depending on the package chosen).. This is a savings of 13 percent to 23 percent over regular pricing.  Self-service orders placed online for value-added services provide additional savings.

Verizon High Speed Internet service is delivered on a dedicated line from Verizon's central switching office to the customer's home or business and is backed by round-the-clock customer service and technical support.  According to PC Magazine's 2009 readers' survey, Verizon High Speed Internet scored higher than the average Internet service provider score in overall service satisfaction and beat the average provider's score in fees charged.  Verizon HSI also needed fewer repairs than the average provider, including several major cable companies, the survey found.

Features of the Compaq Mini netbook include:

• 10.1-inch diagonal widescreen display.
• One-inch-thick, 2.35-pound design that fits in a backpack, briefcase or purse.
• Intel Atom™ processor.
• Windows XP Home operating system.

* Internet speeds refer to the connection speed between the user's location and Verizon's central office.  Actual surfing speeds will vary based on many factors and be lower than connection speed.

VERIZON PROMOTION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

NEW VOICE + NEW HIGH SPEED INTERNET (HSI) CUSTOMERS

Customers establishing new Verizon service who select a double- or triple-play bundle featuring either the up to 3 or 7.1 Mbps High Speed Internet service and Verizon Freedom Essentials qualify for a free Compaq Mini netbook (customer pays taxes, shipping and handling charges of approximately $50) or a Visa prepaid card valued at $150.

EXISTING VOICE + NEW HSI CUSTOMERS OR NEW VOICE + EXISTING HSI CUSTOMERS

Existing Verizon customers establishing new voice or new HSI service who select a double- or triple-play bundle featuring either the up to 3 or 7.1 Mbps High Speed Internet service and Verizon Freedom Essentials qualify for a Visa prepaid card valued at $100.

** Compaq Mini netbook available with a $299.99 coupon redeemable online at HP Home & Home Office while supplies last.  Valid credit card required.  Customer pays taxes, shipping and handling.  Must sign up by April 17, 2010 and activate service by May 31, 2010.  Must have service for 60 days and no past due balance.  Coupon sent within 90 days of activation date and requires redemption within 60 days of receipt.  For residential customers new to Verizon voice and High Speed Internet service.  

***Verizon Visa® Prepaid cards  

New or existing customers who qualify for the $150 or $100 Verizon Visa prepaid card issued by MetaBank™ pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. must sign up by April 17, 2010 and activate service by May 31, 2010.  Must have service for 60 days and no past due balance.  Prepaid card is sent within 90 days of activation date. For residential customers new to Verizon voice and High Speed Internet service.  

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 89 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 230,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon