IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING DELIVERY OF SHAREHOLDER DOCUMENTS

We have adopted a procedure approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission called "householding," which will reduce our printing and mailing costs. Under this procedure, shareholders of record who have the same last name and address will receive only one copy of our Annual Report and Proxy Statement or other proxy materials at their household. This procedure will not apply to shareholders who notify us that they wish to continue to receive individual copies. This procedure also does not apply to shareholders who have signed up for electronic delivery of proxy materials.

What do I need to do to participate in householding?

You do not need to do anything. Effective June 1, 2004, and until you instruct us otherwise, only one copy of any future proxy materials will be sent to your household.

Will I still receive my own proxy card and dividend checks?

Yes. The householding procedures do not affect the delivery of proxy cards or dividend checks.

What do I need to do if I want to continue to receive my own set of proxy materials?

If you object to the householding procedures and want to continue to receive your own separate set of proxy materials, contact our transfer agent, EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. (by telephone at 1-800-631-2355 or in writing at P.O. Box 43005, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3005) by June 1, 2004.

What if I don't object to the householding procedures now, but change my mind later?

You can opt out of the householding procedures at any time by contacting EquiServe. EquiServe will begin sending you a separate copy of any proxy materials, commencing 30 days after receipt of your instructions.

What happens when a member of my household changes his or her address?

When there is an address change for one of the members of the household, any proxy materials will be sent directly to that shareholder at his or her new address.

Do the householding procedures apply if I hold my shares through a broker, bank or other nominee?

You should contact your broker, bank or nominee to determine whether that institution intends to adopt householding.

How can I receive the Annual Report and Proxy Statement and other proxy materials by electronic delivery?

If you are a registered shareholder and have access to a computer and the Internet, you may sign up for electronic delivery, by going to www.verizon.com/investor. You may also sign up when you vote by Internet at http://www.eproxyvote.com/vz and follow the prompts. Once you sign up, you will no longer receive a printed copy of proxy materials, unless you request one. Each year you will receive an e-mail explaining how to access the Annual Report and the Proxy Statement on-line as well as how to vote your shares on-line. You may suspend electronic delivery at any time by contacting EquiServe.