Verizon Introduces Innovative Mapping Tool on SuperPages.com

New 'Map-Based Search' Charts Multiple Businesses on a Single, Printable Map

DALLAS, Tx. (October 17, 2002) -- Anyone trying to find a new or unfamiliar business knows how difficult it can be without directions or a map. Verizon SuperPages.com now offers a unique mapping feature that allows users to customize an online map and plot the location of several businesses in a few simple steps.

To begin a search, click on the "Map-Based Search" link on the SuperPages.com homepage. Create a color map of the search area by entering a specific street address, city or zip code. Next, enter the desired business name or type such as hotel or restaurant. The Map-Based Search tool then searches SuperPages.com's 17 million yellow pages listings. Search results are displayed on the map with different shaped icons that correspond with the legend. Click on the appropriate icon for more information about a business or for driving directions.

"This convenient tool is already working for SuperPages.com visitors," said Patrick Marshall, group vice president - marketing for Verizon Information Services. "In fact, we just received an e-mail from a man who had to leave his broken-down vehicle at an auto repair shop in an unfamiliar area, only to forget the name and exact location of the shop the next day. He used the Map-Based Search feature to search for all of the auto repair shops in the general area and quickly located his car."

Developed by Verizon with input from consumers, the service offers users a custom map that can identify up to 100 listings in as many as five different yellow pages categories. Special features include a detailed legend, printing capability and the ability to zoom to expand or narrow the mapped area. The map also includes each business's name, address and phone number.

"Unlike other search services, the Map-Based Search gives SuperPages.com visitors a user-friendly tool to identify and map the location of several merchants," said Marshall. "Mapping the most direct route to one or more businesses can be a real time saver."

For example, a family planning a day trip with the Map-Based Search can identify the restaurants, movie theaters and shopping centers in the area they are visiting on one printable map.

About Verizon Information Services and SuperPages.com
Verizon Information Services is the world's leading print and online directory publisher, a content provider for communications products and services, and the largest publisher of Hispanic directories in the U.S. With operations in 14 countries and annual revenues of more than $4.3 billion, Verizon Information Services publishes more than 1,200 U.S. Verizon SuperPages directories and nearly 400 international directories with a total circulation of approximately 150 million copies worldwide.

Based in the Dallas area, Verizon Information Services produces and markets SuperPages.com, the Internet's #1 online directory and shopping resource. SuperPages.com receives as many as 14 million visits and 9 million unique visitors a month and powers directory services on MSN, InfoSpace, AltaVista, Excite, Lycos, Univision, Ask Jeeves, HotBot, BigFoot, Tripod and Angelfire as well as more than 2,500 affiliate Web sites.

The company supports computer literacy with philanthropic programs and through the Enlighten Me and Internet Learning Tutor sites on SuperPages.com. Enlighten Me is a fun site where children and their caregivers go to read, learn and explore. The Internet Learning Tutor is specifically designed for adults who are just learning their way around the Internet.

Verizon Information Services is a unit of Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Through its signature Verizon Reads program and the Verizon Literacy Network, Verizon is leading the fight to increase U.S. literacy levels by creating community and corporate awareness, raising funds, encouraging collaboration among literacy providers and engaging employees in supporting literacy programs.

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