RELEASE: November 2, 2005

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Verizon Provides Videoconferencing Network to Assist New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services With Educational and Training Programs for Caseworkers
Access to Broadband Network Will Help Improve Delivery of Services to Children and Families

NEWARK , N.J. -- Verizon and the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) are teaming up to improve the delivery of services to children and families around the state.

Under its Access New Jersey program, Verizon has committed $2 million in free equipment and special rates for high-speed telecommunications services to build a videoconferencing network and to provide technical support and access to Verizon's ANJ Video Portal. The facilities will help DYFS provide training to caseworkers in skills such as case management, while also offering community programs to assist children and families.

At a news conference today, New Jersey Human Services Commissioner James M. Davy and Verizon New Jersey President Dennis M. Bone demonstrated the videoconferencing network, which already links DYFS offices in Trenton , Camden and Randolph . The facilities enable caseworkers in multiple locations to participate in point-to-point as well as multipoint interactive conferences.

“We're proud that DYFS is using Verizon's broadband technologies and fiber-optic network to better serve New Jersey 's children and their families,” said Bone. “This partnership underscores our commitment to a better quality of life for all New Jerseyans, especially those who are most in need.”

The first phase of the project has been completed. Approximately 25 DYFS field offices are now fully integrated. In the second phase, over the next 6 months, Verizon will expand the network by installing videoconferencing units at 20 additional field offices.

“Thanks to this partnership with Verizon, we can improve training and support for our dedicated staff,” said Davy. “By working together, we can protect New Jersey 's children.”

Traditionally, Verizon's ANJ network provides schools and libraries in New Jersey with free network equipment, reduced-priced services and access to the ANJ video portal, a managed video network that creates an interactive distance-learning community.

To date, Verizon has committed more than $150 million in equipment and services through ANJ and has connected nearly 2,500 New Jersey schools and public libraries in its service area to its telecommunications network.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other communication innovations to wireline and wireless customers. Verizon operates America ' s most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 million customers nationwide, and one of the nation's premier wireline networks, serving home, business and wholesale customers in 28 states. Based in New York , Verizon has a diverse workforce of nearly 215,000 and generates annual revenues of more than $71 billion from four business segments: Domestic Telecom, Domestic Wireless, Information Services and International. For more information, visit www.verizon.com

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