Verizon Business to Build and Manage Secure Global Network for U.S. Department of Homeland Security

May 14, 2008

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. , May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Business will deploy and manage a secure global IP network linking thousands of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sites under a new Networx Universal task order awarded by the agency today.

Through an agreement valued at $678.5 million over 10 years, Verizon Business will serve as primary service provider under the much-anticipated DHS OneNet program, providing managed IP and security services that support DHS' mission of securing the nation.

Under terms of the agreement, Verizon Business will help the 22 agencies making up DHS combine multiple separate wide area networks onto one common and secure IP network. DHS will rely on Verizon Business to fully manage and secure more than 5,000 agency sites worldwide. As part of the program, Verizon Business has committed to implementing a Security Operations Center (SOC) for DHS.

Additionally, Verizon Business will employ Emergency Communications Services (ECS), a new service available to all government agencies under Networx Universal, to help DHS better prepare for emergency response to man-made and natural disasters. ECS will enable DHS to establish quick, mobile connectivity to any affected area within the United States and its territories to help meet its mission of disaster response and disaster recovery.

"The Department of Homeland Security has entrusted Verizon Business to support its critical mission of protecting our country and its citizens," said John Killian , president, Verizon Business. "The advanced network that we deploy will serve as the vital springboard for the department's evolving requirements going forward. We look forward to being a trusted partner of the Department of Homeland Security for many years to come."

Verizon Business is providing these services under the U.S. General Services Administration's Networx Universal contract. Verizon Business has been providing communications services to the Homeland Security department under the GSA's Federal Telecommunications Service 2001 (FTS2001) contract, the predecessor to the Networx program. Networx is the largest federal telecommunication contracts ever awarded by the GSA and the federal government, providing federal agencies with a common vehicle for purchasing a comprehensive set of networking, professional and technical services.

Verizon Business is the largest provider of communications services to the U.S. federal government and one of the largest providers of advanced communications and information technology services globally. The company offers local-to-global network capabilities coupled with a broad range of telecommunications products and services -- including advanced Internet protocol (IP) services, managed network services and systems integration -- to all levels of government. With this broad portfolio of services, Verizon Business can provide federal agencies with one-stop shopping for their communications or connectivity needs. The company has built the next- generation services that are helping to transform the way government customers -- and their constituents -- do business.

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a global IP leader and network-based partner for delivering integrated communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large-business and government customers worldwide. Combining unsurpassed reach with managed services, security, mobility, collaboration and professional services capabilities, Verizon Business delivers global solutions that power innovation and enable its customers to do business better. For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.

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SOURCE Verizon Business

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