Only Verizon Delivers All-Digital TV Over the Nation's Most Advanced



    Fiber-Optic Network, Straight to Customers' Doors



    THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Aug. 11 /EMWNews/ -- With the federal mandate

to phase out analog television broadcasts approaching in early 2009, many

consumers remain uncertain of what the change means for them. However,

Verizon FiOS TV customers are ahead of the game. Verizon FiOS TV is already

all-digital, so for most customers there will be no change. At the same

time, Verizon is making other changes, and it is taking steps to ensure

that customers are not confused by the phaseout of analog broadcasts.



    Verizon is phasing out a small number of duplicate analog channels on

the FiOS TV service so all customers will enjoy better-quality, all-digital

viewing experiences on every set in their homes. Until now, Verizon has

provided these duplicate channels to allow digital subscribers to view some

limited programming in an analog format without using a set-top box.



    The company also has a small number of customers who subscribe to a

service that solely offers these duplicate analog channels. Verizon will

make the digital transition easy for these customers by providing them with

a free digital adapter.



    "As we phase out our local analog simulcasts this year, we want to make

sure that our small number of affected customers can continue receiving

this programming on sets they are using without a set-top box," said Dustin

Kroeger, director of consumer marketing for Verizon's West Coast region.

"We're reaching out to those customers now to help them get their free

digital adapter from us so they can enjoy high-quality digital programming

on every set in their home."



    Customers also may choose to upgrade to a set-top box that lets them

see more programming, including high-definition channels, and enables

full-featured, interactive services, like extensive video-on-demand

programming and Verizon's innovative interactive media guide.



    Verizon is phasing out the analog channels on a regional basis. FiOS TV

customers in California will see the transition starting Sept. 1. Customers

have been notified well in advance by letters, e-mails and phone calls from

Verizon. The company also has set up a dedicated Web site,

http://www.verizon.com/godigital, to provide answers to common questions about

all-digital service.



    Advantages of Upgrading to FiOS TV



    TV fans who either do not receive all-digital programming from their TV

service provider, or who receive only over-the-air broadcasts without a

cable or satellite connection, should consider switching to FiOS TV.



    "FiOS TV makes any TV look incredible -- even analog sets," said

Kroeger. "The change broadcasters are making to digital signals doesn't

mean you need a new TV, but now is a good time to consider the network

you're using. When you subscribe to FiOS TV, you will know that you made a

smart decision as you begin to receive superior quality, all-digital

programming delivered over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network

straight to your home."



    Verizon's fiber network delivers amazingly sharp pictures and sound,

and has the capacity to transmit a wide array of high-definition

programming that is so clear and intense it seems to leap from the TV

screen. Verizon's FiOS TV delivers more than 400 all-digital channels,

including approximately 32 high-definition (HD) channels for California

customers, and access to more than 10,000 on-demand titles, 70 percent of

which are free. The video-on-demand library also now includes an increasing

number of high-definition titles.



    Verizon also offers innovative features not available from other

providers, such as Home Media DVR (digital video recorder) and FiOS TV

Widgets that give instant access to information like local weather and

traffic conditions. Home Media DVR has a multi-room DVR feature enabling up

to three simultaneous viewings of recorded programs on different television

sets without requiring customers to set up a complex home network or buy

extra equipment. Customers also can access photos and music on their PCs

and play them on their TV.



    The value of FiOS TV extends to the installation and customer support.

Specially trained Verizon technicians will install the service and

demonstrate FiOS TV features and services.



    Consumers can check online at http://www.verizon.com/fiostv to learn more.

Customers can also call their local Verizon sales office or 888-438-3467.



    Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a

leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless

communication innovations to mass market, business, government and

wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable

wireless network, serving nearly 69 million customers nationwide. Verizon's

Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and

seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon

Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications,

information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced

fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce

of more than 228,600 and last year generated consolidated operating

revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com.



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