Hello all,

This morning's e-mail included the letter below from Verizon FIOS, my
ISP provider. (But at least they are not lowering the price for reducing
my service. G)

One more blow to what's left of usenet. Anyone suggest any alternate
service? I don't really need "more exciting ways of getting and sharing
information via the Web".

Regards,
Tim Schwartz
Bristol Electronics



Dear Valued Verizon Online Member,

Newsgroups were initially developed as a text-based way to share
information on the Internet. Today, demand for newsgroups is much lower,
since most users have switched to more exciting ways of getting and
sharing information via the Web, such as social networks, email and
sites such as our Verizon Central Newsroom.

Because of the reduced demand for newsgroups, on September 30, 2009,
Verizon will discontinue its USENET newsgroup service. Subscribers will
not be able to post or download material from the Verizon newsgroup
service after this date.

INFORMATION ABOUT VERIZON'S ELIMINATION OF ITS NEWSGROUP SERVICE

1. When will Verizon discontinue its newsgroup service?

The service will be discontinued on September 30, 2009. After
this date, Verizon's Newsgroup service will no longer be active.

2. If I want to continue to access newsgroups, what are my options?

There are several commercial newsgroup providers that you can
consider. You may want to review some options at
www.newsgroupreviews.com. The available content, posting policies, terms
and prices (if applicable) will vary, so you should select the one that
is right for you. If you elect to access a non-Verizon newsgroup service
over the Verizon network, our Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy
will still apply to your use of our Internet service.

3. Are any changes to my software required?

Yes. You will need to do two things. First, you will need to
remove the verizon.net USENET newsgroup service from your newsreader
software. Second, if you want to continue accessing newsgroups, you will
need to configure your newsreader software to connect to your new
newsgroup service. Follow your new service provider's instructions for
accessing their newsgroup service.

The following link explains how to unsubscribe to Newsgroups in
Outlook Express:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/171190

4. Will this change to the newsgroup service affect my Verizon
Internet service?

This change will not affect your ability to use your Verizon
Internet service or other commercial newsgroup services, and there will
not be any change to the price you pay for your Verizon High Speed
Internet or Verizon FiOS Internet service.


Sincerely,
Verizon Online