As of December 26, 2008















Securities and Exchange Commission

450 Fifth Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20549



Re: Power of Attorney



Ladies and Gentlemen:



The undersigned hereby authorizes each of Marianne Drost, William L. Horton,

Jr., and Jane Schapker to execute and file, on behalf of the undersigned, any

and all reports regarding transactions in the equity securities of Verizon

Communications Inc. pursuant to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of

1934, as amended.  This authority will remain in full force and effect until further

written notice.



















            /s/ Virginia P. Ruesterholz

             _____________________________

        Virginia P. Ruesterholz