Alienware Joins Verizon 'FiOS Grand Tournament' as Exclusive Provider of Tournament Computers; Finalist to Enjoy Advantages of Alienware's Leading PC Game Machine

Business Wire, June 27, 2006

NEW YORK -- It's a match made in video game heaven as Verizon FiOS today announced it has partnered with Alienware to be the exclusive provider of personal computers for its FiOS Grand Tournament (www.fiosgrand.com). In an arena where only the fastest survive, the partnership of Verizon FiOS and Alienware is a speed demon's dream come true as the breakthrough speed and capacity of Verizon FiOS broadband service is a winning fit with the blazing dual-core processing power of Alienware's acclaimed Aurora dual-core gaming machine. Alienware will also award two of the prized gaming machines as prizes to the second and third place finishers.

The Verizon's FiOS Grand Tournament has set new benchmarks for an online video game tournament with more than 5,000 people registering to compete, making it one of the largest video game tournaments to ever hit the Web. The winner will walk away with $100,000 -- one of the largest prizes for a single winner of a tournament of this kind.

"Alienware is thrilled to be a part of the 'FiOS Grand Tournament'," said Mark Vena, Vice President of Marketing for Alienware. "Alienware systems provide the most immersive experience for the PC gamer and we're delighted to support this exciting competition."

Managed by the Cyberathlete Amateur League (CAL), the FiOS Grand Tournament is under way, and users of any Internet service can compete. Competitors join tournament play via Verizon's new PlayLinc game service, which features advanced multi-player game-launching and player-matching functionality, team management and private access to servers.

The top 64 players will be ranked according to the CAL's official ladder-ranking system, until only eight players remain. Those eight finalists will then be flown to Hermosa Beach, CA., to face-off on July 29 in a dramatic head-to-head tournament on the Verizon FiOS Internet service, where they'll experience its breakthrough speed, capacity and fun.

Verizon offers FiOS high-speed broadband service over its new, advanced fiber-optic network in parts of 16 states - a network that brings the power of fiber all the way to the home. With maximum download connections of up to 30 megabits-per-second (Mbps), and upload connections of up to 5 Mbps, FiOS provides gamers with the speed they need to compete.

More information about the tournament and its rules are available online at www.fiosgrand.com

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million customers nationwide. Verizon Business operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks. Verizon Telecom is deploying the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

About Alienware

Established in 1996, Alienware(R) manufactures high-performance desktop, notebook, media center, and professional systems. Operating under the philosophy of "build it as if it were your own," Alienware has earned numerous awards for excellence and has become a respected brand name worldwide with systems available direct within the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.