January 29, 2002 -- The U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recommended that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approve Verizon's application for permission to offer long-distance service in New Jersey. DOJ routinely gives the FCC an evaluation of long-distance applications, which the commission considers before it makes a final decision. Verizon filed the New Jersey application with the FCC Dec. 20. The FCC must rule on the application by March 20. The following response should be attributed to Sarah Deutsch, vice president and associate general counsel for Verizon.

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