Verizon encourages inter-office routing with Linksys offer

Verizon Online is trying to make it easier for its small to medium-sized business customers to share DSL connections by providing special deals on Linksys’ wireless broadband routers that use 802.11b Wi-Fi technology.

Although the routers are available through retail -- and unlike some cable companies, Verizon does not object if customers buy and deploy their own routing systems -- Verizon is including the routers with its basic sales pitch.

“We’re offering them added convenience because they get it right from us when we’re selling them that access product,” said Mike Lanier, group marketing manager for Verizon Online. “It creates more value for our access product because, when they buy a router, they’re able to share that connection through multiple PCs.”

Customers purchase the routers, which is a differentiator from some other broadband networks that lease -- and maintain -- the equipment for an added monthly fee. Verizon offers a $100 product rebate for customers who order basic DSL service with 768 Kb/s downstream and 128 Kb/s upstream speeds, and $180 rebates for those with connection speeds of 1.5 Mb/s or above.

“Customers benefit in the long run. With this wireless connection not only do they get the benefit of the shared network, but they get the portability and flexibility of the wireless component,” said Lanier.

Verizon also tailors its DSL offerings based on how many computers will be sharing the connection. Those with greater needs are offered -- at higher prices -- greater bandwidth, Lanier said. in each case, he said, there is no extra monthly charge for putting additional computers onto the network.

“They pay for the equipment and they own the equipment,” he said. “It’s a growing market. More businesses are networking multiple devices together. We see this as an opportunity to provide more value to our customers.”