Verizon Washington, DC’S government relations department works to promote and advance sound telecommunications public policies and legislation that will allow us to bring technology to all the District’s communities.  We work with Congresswoman Eleanor Homes Norton, the Mayor, the Council of the District of Columbia, DC Government Agencies, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions to address local and national issues that are important to all residents in the District of Columbia.  These issues often involve important pubic policy and community matters including: education, public safety, health, homeland security, and economic and community development.

Verizon Washington, DC builds and strengthens relations with elected officials in order to develop and promote good public policy.

DC Council passes VoIP legislation

On April 1, 2008 the District of Columbia Council passed the Telecommunications Competition Amendment Act of 2008 (B17-332), which keep Voice over Internet Protocol (or “VoIP”) service free from local regulation. Mayor Adrian Fenty signed the bill on April 15 and became law on June 5 after completing a 30-day period of congressional review.   While the bill will exempts VoIP service from local regulation of rates, charges and terms of service, District and federal laws still pertain to VoIP public safety, consumer protection, and unfair and deceptive trade practices.  This bill benefits District residents in that VoIP and other Internet-based services continue to offer residents a greater variety of choices of exciting new communications options.   Ten states already have passed similar VoIP legislation, including Maryland, Virginia, and Alabama.

Read the VoIP legislation

DC Council approves a $51 million contract with Verizon

On February 5, 2008, the DC Council approved a multiyear agreement, in an estimated amount of $51 million, with Verizon Washington D.C. to provide telecommunication services to the District government until December 31, 2010.

DC Council votes to deny proposed increase to E-911 fee as part of FY 2009 Budget

On June 3, 2008, the DC Council passed the FY 2009 Budget Support Act of 2008, which included a vote to deny a proposed increase to the E-911 fee from $0.75 to $0.99.  The DC Council also voted to remove "personnel" cost as being an adequate use of funds and to accept Verizon's proposed language (primary place of use, per line, and interconnected VoIP) regarding the imposition of the E-911 fee.  

Good Government Club

The Verizon DC Good Government Club was established to advance and protect the future of Verizon and provide employees, retirees, and citizens who reside in the District of Columbia with information about elected officials and candidates who are running for elected positions in the District of Columbia.  Verizon DC fulfills the mission of its Good Government Club by engaging employee and retirees in different activities, including forums with elected officials and candidates. 

If you are a Verizon employee, please visit vz.epacweb.com/ssl/default.asp to learn more about the Verizon DC Good Government Club.  Participation in the Verizon DC Good Government Club is voluntary.

Verizon was a key sponsor of DC Vote’s 2007 Congress Day.

DC Vote is a 501 (c) (3) educational and advocacy organization dedicated to securing full voting representation in Congress for the residents of the District of Columbia.