Assessment Based on Customer Ratings, Regional Presence and Investment in Innovation

SYDNEY, Australia - 6 August 2008 - Verizon Business received a “Strong Positive” rating from Gartner, Inc. in its inaugural “MarketScope for Managed Security Services in the Asia Pacific Region” report.1

To be rated Strong Positive, companies must demonstrate their continued investments in innovation and facilities in multiple countries in the Asia Pacific region. This is in addition to receiving either a Good or Excellent rating from participants of the research – all of whom are customers of managed security services providers.

According to the report, the managed security services market is maturing rapidly in more prosperous Asia Pacific countries. Coupled with users’ heightened awareness of security risk management and regulatory concerns, the region is seeing steady growth in demand. Gartner is forecasting a 12 percent compounded annual growth rate for Asia Pacific managed security services from 2006 to 2011, with market forecast for 2008 at US$219 million.2

“This recognition underscores Verizon Business’ dedication to delivering world-class managed network services in Asia Pacific and around the globe,” said John Karabin, Vice President, security solutions, Asia Pacific, Verizon Business. “The nature of today’s extended enterprise environment brings with it unprecedented security challenges that continue to evolve in sophistication and potential impact. Securing the extended enterprise, and the flow of data within and outside of its perimeter, is probably today’s most critical business challenge. How well businesses manage to achieve this goal will determine their future success.”

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), operates the world's most connected public IP network and uses its industry-leading global-network capabilities to offer large-business and government customers an unmatched combination of security, reliability and speed. The company integrates advanced IP communications and information technology (IT) products and services to deliver leading enterprise solutions including managed services, security, mobility, collaboration and professional services. These solutions power innovation and enable the company’s customers to do business better.

Verizon Business manages 260,000-plus devices on more than 4,000 customer networks in 142 countries and territories, including overseeing non-Verizon connections from more than 60 network providers globally. The service-level commitments for its managed network services underscore Verizon Business’ legacy of service and innovation. The company also offers a suite of professional network and security services to help customers successfully deploy and manage their IP networks. These services range from network assessment and design consulting to project management and capacity planning.

For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.

MarketScope Disclaimer:

The MarketScope is copyrighted 20 June 2008 by Gartner, Inc. and is reused with permission. The MarketScope is an evaluation of a marketplace at and for a specific time period. It depicts Gartner's analysis of how certain vendors measure against criteria for that marketplace, as defined by Gartner. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in the MarketScope, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest rating. Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

1. Gartner, Inc. “MarketScope for Managed Security Services in the Asia/Pacific Region”; 20 June 2008; Authors Andrew Walls, Kelly M Kavanagh

2. Gartner, Inc. “Forecast: IT Security Services, Worldwide, 2006-2011”; 10 April 2008; Authors Ruggero Contu, Kelly M Kavanagh, Robert De Souza, Andrew Walls, Carsten Casper

Media contacts:

Junaidah Dahlan

+65-6248-6827

junaidah.dahlan@sg.verizonbusiness.com

Tara Schwarze

Max Australia

Tel: +61 2 9954 3492

Email: tara.schwarze@maxaustralia.com.au