March 11, 2002 -- Verizon Long Distance began offering long-distance calling plans to Rhode Island consumers and businesses.

In February, Verizon received approval from the Federal Communications Commission to offer long-distance service in Rhode Island, allowing the company to jointly market local and long-distance services in the state.

Verizon's plans, available in 41 states including Rhode Island, offers consumers and businesses from an assortment of Verizon long-distance plans designed for domestic and international calling. Verizon also offers toll-free plans and calling cards for both consumers and businesses. Verizon's prices are based on state-to-state, direct-dialed domestic calls. In-state rates may vary slightly. International rates vary depending upon the country called.

Some plans enable customers to purchase long-distance service in advance or to bundle long-distance with packages of Verizon products and services. For instance, Verizon Rhode Island customers who subscribe to the ValuePack package can add long-distance service at 8 cents a minute (both state-to-state and in-state) and a number of features, including Call Waiting, *69, Call Forwarding, and Speed Dialing, among others. The ValuePack costs $15.99 a month.

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