Verizon Communications (VZ) 424B5 Prospectus supplement for primary offering

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-213439

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. A registration statement relating to these securities has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the attached prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where an offer or sale is prohibited.

Subject to completion, dated February 5, 2019

Prospectus Supplement

(To Prospectus Dated September 1, 2016)

Verizon Communications Inc.

$            % Notes due 20

We are offering $             of our notes due 20     (the “notes”). The notes will bear interest at the rate of    % per year.

Interest on the notes is payable on              and              of each year, commencing             , 2019. The notes will mature on             , 20    . We may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to maturity at the applicable redemption price to be determined using the procedure described in this prospectus supplement under “Description of the Notes—Redemption.”

The notes will be our senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

	Public Offering Price(1)		Underwriting Discount		Proceeds to Verizon Communications Inc. (before expenses)
Notes		%		%		%
Total	$		$		$

(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from             , 2019, to the date of delivery.

The underwriters are severally underwriting the notes being offered. The underwriters expect to deliver the notes inbook-entry form only through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and its participants, including Euroclear Bank, S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System (“Euroclear”), and Clearstream Banking, S.A. (“Clearstream”), against payment in New York, New York on or about             , 2019.

Joint Book-Running Managers

BofA Merrill Lynch Lead Green Structuring Agent Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

February     , 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
About this Prospectus Supplement		S-1
Where You Can Find More Information		S-2
Recent Developments		S-3
Use of Proceeds		S-4
Description of the Notes		S-7
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations		S-9
Underwriting		S-13
Legal Matters		S-18
PROSPECTUS
About this Prospectus		1
Where You Can Find More Information		1
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements		2
Verizon Communications		2
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges		4
Use of Proceeds		4
Description of Capital Stock		5
Description of the Debt Securities		6
Clearing and Settlement		10
Experts		12
Legal Matters		12
Plan of Distribution		13

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

You should read this prospectus supplement along with the accompanying prospectus carefully before you invest. Both documents contain important information you should consider when making your investment decision. This prospectus supplement contains information about the specific notes being offered, and the accompanying prospectus contains information about our debt securities generally. This prospectus supplement may add, update or change information in the accompanying prospectus. You should rely only on the information provided or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any related free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, which are accurate as of their respective dates. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information.

To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus supplement, on the one hand, and the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, on the other hand, the information contained in this prospectus supplement shall control. If any statement in this prospectus supplement conflicts with any statement in a document which we have incorporated by reference, then you should consider only the statement in the more recent document.

In this prospectus supplement, “we,” “our,” “us” and “Verizon” refer to Verizon Communications Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any of these documents at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SECat 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public on the SEC’s website athttp://www.sec.gov.

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the following documents we have filed with the SEC and the future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (excluding any information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 on any Current Report onForm 8-K):

• Verizon’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017;

• Verizon’s Quarterly Reports onForm 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018;

• Verizon’s Current Reports onForm 8-K filed on January 17, 2018 (as to Item 8.01 only), March 7, 2018, May 1, 2018, May 8, 2018, June 8, 2018, June 11, 2018, June 15, 2018, September 6, 2018, October 4, 2018, November 2, 2018 and December 11, 2018; and

• the description of Verizon’s Common Stock contained in the registration statement onForm 8-A filed on March 12, 2010, under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating that description.

You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by contacting us at:

Investor Relations

Verizon Communications Inc.

One Verizon Way

Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920

Telephone: (212)395-1525

Internet Site: www.verizon.com/about/investors

You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus, any supplement or any pricing supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

On January 29, 2019, we announced our unaudited preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year 2018. For the fourth quarter 2018, we reported net income attributable to Verizon of $1.9 billion, or $0.47 per diluted share, compared with net income of $18.7 billion, or $4.56 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter 2017. Our fourth quarter 2018 reported earnings reflect the net income impacts arising from tax reform, accounting changes for revenue recognition and special items pertaining to acquisition and integration related charges, severance, pensions and benefits charges, Verizon Media goodwill impairment and an internal reorganization. Our fourth quarter 2017 reported earnings reflect the impacts arising from tax reform and special items primarily related to severance, pension and benefits charges, early debt redemption costs, product realignment charges, acquisition and integration related charges and a gain on spectrum license transactions. For the full year 2018, we reported earnings attributable to Verizon of $15.5 billion, or $3.76 per diluted share, compared with $30.1 billion, or $7.36 per diluted share, in 2017.

During the fourth quarter 2018, consolidated operating revenues were $34.3 billion, an increase of 1.0% compared to the fourth quarter 2017. Annual consolidated operating revenues were $130.9 billion in 2018, an increase of 3.8% compared to $126.0 billion in 2017.

Total operating expenses were $33.6 billion in the fourth quarter 2018 and $108.6 billion for the full year 2018, an increase of 18.1% and an increase of 10.1%, respectively, from the corresponding periods in 2017.

Total operating revenues from our Wireless segment were $24.4 billion for the fourth quarter 2018 and $91.7 billion for the full year 2018, an increase of 2.7% and 4.8%, respectively, from the corresponding periods in 2017. Wireless total operating expenses were $16.4 billion for the fourth quarter 2018 and $58.9 billion for the full year 2018, a decrease of 1.4% and an increase of 1.0%, respectively, from the corresponding periods in 2017. Total operating revenues from our Wireline segment were $7.4 billion for the fourth quarter 2018 and $29.8 billion for the full year 2018, a decrease of 3.2% and 3.0%, respectively, from the corresponding periods in 2017. Wireline total operating expenses were $7.6 billion for the fourth quarter 2018 and $30.0 billion for the full year 2018, an increase of 1.2% and a decrease of 0.9%, respectively, from the corresponding periods in 2017.

Cash flows from operating activities were $34.3 billion for the full year 2018, compared with $24.3 billion in 2017. In 2018, net cash used in investing activities was $17.9 billion, including $16.7 billion in capital expenditures. Net cash used in financing activities was $15.4 billion in 2018. Our total debt of $113.1 billion as of December 31, 2018 was $4.0 billion lower compared with December 31, 2017.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We expect to receive approximately $             in net proceeds from the sale of the notes in this offering after payment of the estimated offering expenses for such notes and after the underwriting discount. An amount equal to the net proceeds of the offering of the notes will be used to fund, in whole or in part, Eligible Green Investments. For purposes of this section, “Eligible Green Investments” include new and existing investments made by us during the period from two years prior to the issuance of the notes through the maturity date of the notes, in the following categories:

1. Renewable Energy:

a) the development, construction or operation of facilities, equipment or systems that generate or transmit renewable energy, such as:

i. solar energy;

ii. wind energy; and

iii. fuel cell energy; or

b) the purchase of renewable energy pursuant to power purchase agreements or virtual power purchase agreements;

2. Energy Efficiency: The design, manufacture or installation of systems, products and technology that are designed to reduce energy consumption or mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in our operations consistent with meeting Verizon’s publicly stated goals for energy efficiency, such as:

a) deployment of 5G wireless technologies that allow for real-time response to energy demand, including:

i. smart city systems;

ii. smart building management systems;

iii. telecommuting systems; and

iv. smart grids;

b) legacy network technology replacements or upgrades;

c) replacement of old equipment with energy efficient equipment, such as heating, ventilation and cooling (“HVAC”) systems, real estate chillers, cooling towers, and lighting; and

d) upgrades to Verizon buildings that are designed to improve the buildings’ ENERGY STAR¹ scores and to have expected energy efficiency increases of at least 30%;

¹  ENERGY STAR is a voluntary U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program that seeks to deliver environmental benefits and financial value through superior energy efficiency. To be eligible for ENERGY STAR certification, a building must earn an ENERGY STAR score of 75 or higher, indicating that it performs better than at least 75 percent of similar buildings nationwide.

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3. Green Buildings:

a) investments in new building projects and in existing building retrofits that upgrade the buildings’ facilities and equipment so that either:

i. the building was able to receive during thetwo-year period prior to the issuance of the notes, or will be able to receive during the three-year period after the issuance of the notes, a third-party verified green building certification, such as:

1. LEED² Platinum or LEED Gold; or

2. an ENERGY STAR rating of 85 or higher; or

ii. the building is carbonnet-zero; or

b) leasing, on a capitalized basis, new or existing buildings that have received one of the above third-party verified green building certifications;

4. Sustainable Water Management: Investments in corporate facilities, products or the supply chain designed to improve water efficiency, water conservation or water quality consistent with meeting Verizon’s publicly stated goals for water management, such as:

a) the installation or upgrade of:

i. water efficient fixtures that create water savings;

ii. water efficient irrigation systems; or

iii. systems designed to increase use of recycled water; and

b) upgrades to cooling towers and other HVAC equipment; and

5. Biodiversity and Conservation: Reforestation and ecological restoration of land to preserve biodiversity and native ecosystems.

Process for Investment Evaluation and Selection

Verizon’s Sustainability team will be responsible for determining whether potential investments fit within one or more categories of Eligible Green Investments set forth above.

Management of Proceeds for the Notes

An amount equal to the net proceeds from the sale of the notes will be allocated to the financing of existing and future Eligible Green Investments. Such allocation will be reflected in Verizon’s internal records. Pending the full allocation of the net proceeds to finance Eligible Green Investments, an amount equal to the unallocated balance will be temporarily invested or otherwise maintained in cash, cash equivalents and/or U.S. treasury securities. Verizon intends to allocate a majority of the net proceeds of the notes to finance Eligible Green Investments within three years from the date of issuance of the notes.

Payment of principal of and interest on the notes will be made from Verizon’s general funds and will not be linked to the performance of any Eligible Green Investments.

²  Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) is a voluntary, third party building certification process developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (“USGBC”), anon-profit organization. The USGBC developed the LEED certification process to (i) evaluate the environmental performance from a whole-building perspective over a building’s life cycle, (ii) provide a definitive standard for what constitutes a “green building,” (iii) enhance environmental awareness among architects and building contractors, and (iv) encourage the design and construction of energy-efficient, water-conserving buildings that use sustainable or green resources and materials.

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Reporting

Within one year from the date of issuance of the notes, and annually thereafter until we have reported that an amount equal to the net proceeds of the notes has been allocated to Eligible Green Investments, we will publish, and keep readily available, on a designated website, a report setting forth information with respect to the allocation of such amount. The report will include an assertion by Verizon’s Sustainability team as to the aggregate amount allocated to specific categories of Eligible Green Investments and will describe such Eligible Green Investments. The report will be accompanied by an attestation from an independent registered public accounting firm with respect to such firm’s examination of the Verizon Sustainability team’s assertion conducted in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

The information and materials found on our website, including without limitation the aforementioned report, are not part of or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or any other report or filing filed with the SEC.

We anticipate that our green bond program will be in alignment with the Green Bond Principles, dated June 2018, published by the International Capital Market Association (the “Green Bond Principles”), and we expect to reflect the relevant requirements of the Green Bond Principles in the management of our green bond program, as appropriate. We have worked with an outside consultant with recognized expertise in environmental, social and governance research and analysis to (i) assess our categories of Eligible Green Investments and our processes for alignment with the Green Bond Principles and (ii) obtain and make publicly available a second party opinion from such consultant in respect of compliance with such criteria.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

Principal Amount, Maturity and Interest for the Notes

We are offering $             of our notes, which will mature on                     , 20     .

We will pay interest on the notes at the rate of     % per annum on              of each year to holders of record at the close of business on the immediately preceding              and on              of each year to holders of record at the close of business on the immediately preceding             . If interest or principal on the notes is payable on a Saturday, Sunday or any other day when banks are not open for business in The City of New York, we will make the payment on such notes on the next succeeding business day, and no interest will accrue as a result of the delay in payment. The first interest payment date on the notes is                     , 2019. Interest on the notes will accrue from                     , 2019 and will accrue on the basis ofa 360-day year consisting of 12 months of 30 days.

We may issue additional notes in the future.

Form and Denomination

The notes will be issued in book-entry only form, which means that the notes will be represented by one or more permanent global certificates registered in the name of DTC, or its nominee. You may hold interests in the notes directly through DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream, if you are a participant in any of these clearing systems, or indirectly through organizations which are participants in these systems. Links have been established among DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear to facilitate the issuance of the notes and cross-market transfers of the notes associated with secondary market trading. DTC is linked indirectly to Clearstream and Euroclear through the depositary accounts of their respective U.S. depositaries. Beneficial interests in the notes may be held in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000. Notes in book-entry form that can be exchanged for definitive notes under the circumstances described in the accompanying prospectus under the caption “Clearing and Settlement” will be exchanged only for definitive notes issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000.

Redemption

We have the option to redeem the notes on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, in whole or in part,

(1) at any time prior to                     ,          (             months prior to maturity), at a redemption price equal to the greater of:

(a) 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed, or

(b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes being redeemed (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption), as the case may be, discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus              basis points, and

(2) at any time on or after                     ,          (             months prior to maturity), at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed,

plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

The “Treasury Rate” will be determined on the third business day preceding the date of redemption and means, with respect to any date of redemption:

(1) the yield, under the heading which represents the average for the immediately preceding week, appearing in the most recently published statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Statistical Release H. 15” or any successor publication which is published weekly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under the

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caption “Treasury Constant Maturities,” for the maturity corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue (if no maturity is within three months before or after the Remaining Life, yields for the two published maturities most closely corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue will be determined and the Treasury Rate will be interpolated or extrapolated from those yields on a straight-line basis, rounding to the nearest month), or

(2) if that release (or any successor release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does not contain those yields, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated using a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for the date of redemption.

“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by the Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term, referred to as the remaining life, of the notes being redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the notes.

“Comparable Treasury Price” means (1) the average of three Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for that date of redemption, or (2) if the Independent Investment Banker is unable to obtain three Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all quotations obtained.

“Independent Investment Banker” means an independent investment banking or commercial banking institution of national standing appointed by us.

“Reference Treasury Dealer” means (1) any independent investment banking or commercial banking institution of national standing and any of its successors appointed by us, provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S. Government securities dealer in the United States, referred to as a Primary Treasury Dealer, we shall substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer, and (2) any other Primary Treasury Dealer selected by the Independent Investment Banker and approved in writing by us.

“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any date of redemption, the average, as determined by the Independent Investment Banker, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Independent Investment Banker at 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding the date of redemption.

In addition, we may at any time purchase all or part of the notes by tender, in the open market or by private agreement, subject to applicable law.

Additional Information

See “Description of the Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus for additional important information about the notes. That information includes:

• additional information about the terms of the notes;

• general information about the indenture and the trustee;

• a description of certain restrictions; and

• a description of events of default under the indenture.

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CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes by U.S. Holders andNon-U.S. Holders (each as defined below) that purchase the notes at their issue price (generally the first price at which a substantial amount of the notes is sold, excluding sales to bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers) pursuant to this offering and hold such notes as capital assets. This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated or proposed thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as in effect on the date hereof, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, or to different interpretation. This discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to specific Holders (as defined below) in light of their particular circumstances or to Holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law (such as banks, insurance companies, dealers in securities or other Holders that generally mark their securities to market for U.S. federal income tax purposes,tax-exempt entities, retirement plans, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, certain former citizens or residents of the United States, Holders that hold a note as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion or other integrated transaction, U.S. Holders that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar, or partnerships (or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes)). This discussion does not address any U.S. state or local ornon-U.S. tax considerations or any U.S. federal estate, gift, alternative minimum tax or Medicare tax on net investment income considerations.

As used in this discussion, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a note that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source or (iv) a trust with respect to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or that has in effect a valid election under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

As used in this discussion, the term“Non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a note that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the term “Holder” means a U.S. Holder or aNon-U.S. Holder.

If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes invests in a note, the U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to such investment will depend in part upon the status and activities of such entity and the particular partner. Any such entity should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to it and its partners relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of a note.

U.S. Holders that use an accrual method of accounting for tax purposes generally will be required to include certain amounts in income no later than the time such amounts are reflected on certain financial statements. The application of this rule thus may require the accrual of income earlier than would be the case under the general tax rules described below, although the precise application of this rule is unclear at this time. Holders that use an accrual method of accounting should consult with their tax advisors regarding the potential applicability of this legislation to their particular situation.

EACH PERSON CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL ANDNON-U.S. INCOME, ESTATE AND OTHER TAX CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE NOTES IN LIGHT OF ITS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

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U.S. Holders

Interest on the Notes

In general, interest payable on a note will be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income when it is received or accrued, in accordance with such U.S. Holder’s regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The notes are not expected to be issued with more thande minimis OID. However, if the notes are issued with more thande minimis OID, each U.S. Holder of a note generally will be required to include OID in income (as interest) as it accrues, before such U.S. Holder receives any payment attributable to such income. The amount of OID accrual would be determined, regardless of such U.S. Holder’s regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes, using a constant yield method based on the payments for the notes as of the issue date. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the notes are not issued with more thande minimis OID.

Sale, Exchange, Retirement or Other Disposition of the Notes

Upon the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of a note, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize a gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition (other than any amount attributable to accrued interest, which, if not previously included in such U.S. Holder’s income, will be taxable as interest income to such U.S. Holder) and such U.S. Holder’s “adjusted tax basis” in such note. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a note generally will be equal to the amount that the U.S. Holder paid for the note. Any gain or loss so recognized generally will be capital gain or loss and will belong-term capital gain or loss if such U.S. Holder has held such note for more than one year at the time of such sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition. Net long-term capital gain of certainnon-corporate U.S. Holders generally is subject to preferential rates of tax. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Information reporting generally will apply to payments to a U.S. Holder of interest on, or proceeds from the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of, a note, unless such U.S. Holder is an entity that is exempt from information reporting and, when required, demonstrates this fact. Any such payment to a U.S. Holder that is subject to information reporting generally will also be subject to backup withholding, unless such U.S. Holder provides the appropriate documentation (generally, Internal Revenue Service(“IRS”) Form W-9) to the applicable withholding agent certifying that, among other things, its taxpayer identification number (which for an individual would be his or her Social Security number) is correct, or otherwise establishes an exemption.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability if the required information is furnished by such U.S. Holder on a timely basis to the IRS.

Non-U.S. Holders

General

Subject to the discussion below concerning backup withholding and FATCA:

(1) payments of principal, interest and premium (if any) with respect to a note owned by aNon-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax; provided that, in the case of amounts treated as payments of interest, (i) such amounts are not effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States by suchNon-U.S. Holder; (ii) suchNon-U.S. Holder does not own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote; (iii) suchNon-U.S. Holder is not a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 957(a) of the Code that is related to us through stock ownership; (iv) suchNon-U.S. Holder is not a bank whose receipt of such amounts is described in section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code; and (v) the certification requirements described below are satisfied; and

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(2) aNon-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain recognized on the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of a note, unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States by suchNon-U.S. Holder, in which event such gain generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the manner described below, or (ii) suchNon-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of such sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition and certain other conditions are met, in which event such gain (net of certain U.S. source losses) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (except as provided by an applicable tax treaty).

The certification requirements referred to in clause (1)(v) above generally will be satisfied if theNon-U.S. Holder provides the applicable withholding agent with a statement (generally on IRSForm W-8BEN or IRSForm W-8BEN-E), signed under penalties of perjury, stating, among other things, that suchNon-U.S. Holder is not a U.S. person. U.S. Treasury regulations provide additional rules for a note held through one or more intermediaries or pass-through entities.

If the requirements set forth in clause (1) above are not satisfied with respect to aNon-U.S. Holder, amounts treated as payments of interest generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30%, unless another exemption is applicable. For example, an applicable tax treaty may reduce or eliminate this withholding tax if suchNon-U.S. Holder provides the appropriate documentation (generally, IRSForm W-8BEN or IRSForm W-8BEN-E) to the applicable withholding agent.

If aNon-U.S. Holder is engaged in the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and if amounts treated as interest on a note or gain recognized on the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of a note are effectively connected with such trade or business, suchNon-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax on such amounts; provided that, in the case of amounts treated as interest, suchNon-U.S. Holder provides the appropriate documentation (generally, IRSForm W-8ECI) to the applicable withholding agent. Instead, suchNon-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such amounts in substantially the same manner as a U.S. Holder (except as provided by an applicable tax treaty). In addition, aNon-U.S. Holder that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or a lower rate if provided by an applicable tax treaty) on its effectively connected income for the taxable year, subject to certain adjustments.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Information reporting generally will apply to payments of principal of, and interest on, notes, and to proceeds from the sale, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of notes within the United States, or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, to a U.S. Holder (other than an exempt recipient that, if required, demonstrates this fact). Backup withholding may be required on reportable payments if the holder fails to furnish its correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with, or establish an exemption from, backup withholding.Non-U.S. Holders generally will be required to comply with applicable certification procedures to establish that they are not U.S. Holders in order to avoid the application of information reporting and backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. A holder of notes generally will be entitled to credit any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules against its U.S. federal income tax liability or to obtain a refund of the amounts withheld provided the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

FATCA Withholding

Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code and Treasury regulations thereunder (provisions commonly referred to as “FATCA”) impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on interest payments on obligations that produce U.S. source interest to “foreign financial institutions” and certain othernon-U.S. entities that fail to comply with specified certification and information reporting requirements.

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Because the notes will produce U.S. source interest, future guidance may subject payments on notes held by or through certain foreign entities to the 30% FATCA withholding tax. This withholding tax will not apply to payments made prior to two years after the date on which final regulations on this issue are published and will not apply to the notes unless the notes are “materially modified” more than six months after the date of such publication. In addition, in the future, proceeds from the sale or other disposition of notes may also become subject to the 30% FATCA withholding tax. Until final regulations are issued, however, we and any withholding agent may rely on recently issued proposed regulations that eliminate FATCA withholding on such gross proceeds. Holders should consult their own tax advisors on how these rules may apply to their investment in the notes. In the event any withholding under FATCA is imposed with respect to the notes, we will not be under any obligation to compensate for the withheld amount.

The above description is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences relating to the ownership of the notes. Prospective purchasers of notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the tax consequences of their particular situations.

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UNDERWRITING

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC are acting as representatives of the several underwriters for the notes.

Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the purchase agreement dated the date of this prospectus supplement, each underwriter named below has severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to that underwriter, the principal amount of notes set forth opposite such underwriter’s name.

Underwriters	Principal amount of notes
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated	$
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
Total	$

The purchase agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the notes included in this offering are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and to other conditions. The offering of the notes by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance by the underwriters and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all of the notes if they purchase any of the notes.

The underwriters propose to offer some of the notes directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and some of such notes to dealers at the public offering price less a concession not to exceed     % of the principal amount of the notes. The underwriters may allow, and dealers may reallow, a concession not to exceed     % of the principal amount of the notes on sales to other dealers. After the initial offering of the notes to the public, the representatives, on behalf of the underwriters, may change the public offering price and other selling terms.

We will pay an underwriting discount of     % (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the notes) in connection with this offering.

The notes will constitute a new issue of securities with no established trading market. The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or on any automated dealer quotation system. The underwriters have advised us that they currently intend to make a market in the notes. However, they are not obligated to do so and they may discontinue market-making activities with respect to the notes at any time without notice. Accordingly, we cannot assure you as to the liquidity of, or the trading market for, the notes.

In connection with this offering, the representatives, on behalf of the underwriters, may over-allot notes or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the notes at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, there is no assurance that the representatives, on behalf of the underwriters, will undertake any stabilization action. Any stabilization action may begin on or after the date on which adequate public disclosure of the final terms of the offer of the notes is made, and, if begun, may be ended at any time, but it must end no later than the earlier of 30 days after the issue date of the relevant notes and 60 days after the date of the allotment of the relevant notes. Any stabilization action or over-allotment must be conducted by the representatives, on behalf of the underwriters, in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

Over-allotment involves syndicate sales of the notes in excess of the principal amount of notes to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short position. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchase of the notes in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases of notes made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes while the offering is in progress.

The representatives, on behalf of the underwriters, also may impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the representatives, in covering

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syndicate short positions or making stabilizing purchases, repurchase notes originally sold by that syndicate member.

Any of these activities may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes. They may also cause the price of the notes to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may conduct these transactions in theover-the-counter market or otherwise. If the underwriters commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue them at any time.

We estimate that our total expenses for this offering (not including the underwriting discount) will be approximately $            .

We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities in connection with this offering, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make because of any of these liabilities.

The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. Certain of the underwriters have performed commercial banking, investment banking or advisory services for us from time to time for which they have received customary fees and reimbursement of expenses. The underwriters may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of their business for which they may receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses. In addition, certain underwriters or their affiliates may provide credit to us as lenders. If any of the underwriters or their affiliates provide credit to us, certain of those underwriters or their affiliates routinely hedge, certain other of those underwriters or their affiliates have hedged and are likely to continue to hedge and certain other of those underwriters or their affiliates may hedge, their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, these underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the notes offered hereby. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the notes offered hereby. In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve our securities or instruments. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long or short positions in such securities and instruments. In addition, the underwriters purchase telecommunications services from us in the ordinary course of business.

We expect that the delivery of the notes will be made to investors on or about                     , 2019, which will be the third U.S. business day following the date of this prospectus supplement (such settlement being referred to as “T+3”). UnderRule 15c6-1 under the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the notes prior to the second U.S. business day before the settlement date will be required, by virtue of the fact that the notes initially settle in T+3, to specify an alternate settlement arrangement at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the notes who wish to trade the notes prior to the second U.S. business day before the settlement date should consult their advisors.

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Selling Restrictions

Canada

Resale Restrictions

The distribution of the notes in Canada is being made only in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia on a private placement basis exempt from the requirement that we prepare and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each province where trades of these securities are made. Any resale of the notes in Canada must be made under applicable securities laws which may vary depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made under available statutory exemptions or under a discretionary exemption granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. Purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of the securities.

Representations of Canadian Purchasers

By purchasing notes in Canada and accepting delivery of a purchase confirmation, a purchaser in Canada is representing to us and the dealer from whom the purchase confirmation is received that:

• the purchaser is entitled under applicable provincial securities laws to purchase notes without the benefit of a prospectus qualified under those securities laws as it is an “accredited investor” as defined under NationalInstrument 45-106—Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario),

• the purchaser is a “permitted client” as defined in NationalInstrument 31-103—Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations,

• where required by law, the purchaser is purchasing as principal and not as agent, and

• the purchaser has reviewed the text above.

Conflicts of Interest

Canadian purchasers are hereby notified that the underwriters are relying on the exemption set out in section 3A.3 or 3A.4, if applicable, of NationalInstrument 33-105—Underwriting Conflicts from having to provide certain conflict of interest disclosure in this document.

Statutory Rights of Action

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser of the notes in Canada should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

European Economic Area

Each underwriter has represented and agreed that it will not offer, sell or otherwise make available any notes to any retail investor in the European Economic Area. Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the European Economic Area has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. For the purposes of this provision: (i) the expression “retail investor” means a person who is one (or more) of the following: (A) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); or (B) a customer within the

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meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (C) not a qualified investor as defined in Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended) (the “Prospectus Directive”); (ii) the expression “offer” includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the notes; and (iii) the countries comprising the “European Economic Area” are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

This prospectus supplement has been prepared on the basis that any offer of notes in any member state of the European Economic Area will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of the notes. This prospectus supplement is not a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Directive.

United Kingdom

Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:

• it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”)) in connection with the issue or sale of the notes, to persons that are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive, and where such invitation or such inducement to engage has been received by it in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to us, and

• it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA and of the Financial Services Act of 2012 with respect to anything done by it in relation to the notes in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

Switzerland

Neither this prospectus supplement nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the notes constitutes a prospectus as such term is understood pursuant to article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange or any other regulated trading facility in Switzerland, and neither this prospectus supplement nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the notes may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

Hong Kong

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have not been approved by or registered with the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong or the Registrar of Companies of Hong Kong. Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:

• the notes have not and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance; and

• no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the notes which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) has been issued or had in its possession for the purposes of issue, or

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will be issued or will be in its possession for the purposes of issue, in Hong Kong or elsewhere other than with respect to notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.

Singapore

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. As such, each underwriter has represented, warranted and agreed, and each investor should note, as the case may be, that the notes may not be offered or sold, or made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, nor may the prospectus supplement or any of the documents or materials in connection with the offer or sale or invitation for subscription or any notes be circulated or distributed, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”), (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:

• a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or

• a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor;

the securities or securities-based derivative contracts (each as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the notes pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:

• to an institutional investor or to a relevant person, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA;

• where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;

• where the transfer is by operation of law; or

• as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA.

Any reference to the SFA is a reference to the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore and any reference to any term as defined in the SFA or any provision in the SFA is a reference to that term as modified or amended from time to time including by such of its subsidiary legislation as may be applicable at the relevant time.

Japan

The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (the “Financial Instruments and Exchange Law”) and each underwriter has agreed that it will not offer or sell any securities, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others forre-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

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LEGAL MATTERS

William L. Horton, Jr., Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Verizon, is passing upon the validity of the notes for us. As of February 1, 2019, Mr. Horton beneficially owned 10,573 shares of Verizon common stock.

Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP of New York, New York will issue an opinion on certain legal matters for the underwriters. Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP from time to time represents Verizon and its affiliates in connection with matters unrelated to the offering of the securities.

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PROSPECTUS

Verizon Communications Inc.

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

Verizon Communications Inc. may offer at one or more times common stock, preferred stock and debt securities. To the extent provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock and the debt securities may be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any class or classes of stock, or securities or property, of Verizon Communications Inc. We will provide the specific terms of any securities to be offered in a supplement to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest.

Verizon Communications Inc. may offer and sell these securities on a continuous or delayed basis directly, through agents, dealers or underwriters as designated from time to time, or through a combination of these methods. The names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the sale of any securities and any applicable commissions or discounts will be set forth in the prospectus supplement covering the sales of those securities.

The common stock of Verizon Communications Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “VZ.”

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

September 1, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About this Prospectus	1
Where You Can Find More Information	1
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements	2
Verizon Communications	2
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges	4
Use of Proceeds	4
Description of Capital Stock	5
Description of the Debt Securities	6
Clearing and Settlement	10
Experts	12
Legal Matters	12
Plan of Distribution	13

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC utilizing a shelf registration process. Under this shelf process, we may, from time to time, sell any combination of the common stock, preferred stock or debt securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement and, in some cases, a pricing supplement, that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement or pricing supplement may also add, update or change information in this prospectus. The information in this prospectus is accurate as of the date of this prospectus. Please carefully read this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any pricing supplement together with additional information described under the heading “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION.” Unless otherwise specified in this prospectus, the terms “we,” “us,” “our” and “Verizon Communications” refer to Verizon Communications Inc.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any of these documents at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public on the SEC’s web site athttp://www.sec.gov.

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the following documents we have filed with the SEC and the future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (excluding any information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 on any Current Report on Form 8-K):

• Verizon Communications’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015;

• Verizon Communications’ Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016;

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• Verizon Communications’ Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2016, May 11, 2016, June 9, 2016, July 25, 2016, July 29, 2016, August 1, 2016 and September 1, 2016 and amended Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on June 2, 2016; and

• the description of Verizon Communications’ Common Stock contained in the registration statement on Form 8-A filed on March 12, 2010, under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating that description.

You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by contacting us at:

Investor Relations

Verizon Communications Inc.

One Verizon Way

Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920

Telephone: (212) 395-1525

Internet Site: www.verizon.com/investor

You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus, any supplement or any pricing supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information, and we take no responsibility for any information that others may give you. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, including the documents that we incorporate by reference, contains both historical and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but only predictions and generally can be identified by use of statements that include phrases such as “will,” “may,” “should,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “appear,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals also are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Factors that could materially affect these forward-looking statements can be found in our periodic reports filed with the SEC. Potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward- looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this prospectus are made only as of the date of this prospectus, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events might or might not occur. We cannot assure you that projected results or events will be achieved.

VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS

Verizon Communications Inc. is a holding company that, acting through its subsidiaries, is one of the world’s leading providers of communications, information and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses and governmental agencies. With a presence around the world, we offer voice, data and video services and solutions on our wireless and wireline networks that are designed to meet customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control. We have two reportable segments, Wireless and Wireline. Our wireless business, operating as Verizon Wireless, provides voice and data services and equipment sales across the United States using one of the most extensive and reliable wireless networks. Our wireline business provides consumer, business and government customers with communications products and enhanced services, including broadband data and video, corporate networking solutions, data center and cloud services,

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security and managed network services and local and long distance voice services, and also owns and operates one of the most expansive end-to-end global Internet Protocol networks. We have a highly skilled, diverse and dedicated workforce of approximately 162,700 employees as of June 30, 2016. We generated consolidated revenues of $62.7 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2016.

Our principal executive offices are located at 1095 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036, and our telephone number is (212) 395-1000.

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RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table shows our ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated:

Six Months Ended June 30, 2016	Year Ended December 31,
	2015	2014	2013	2012	2011
3.63	5.27	3.15	7.69	3.55	3.50

For these ratios, “earnings” have been calculated by adding fixed charges to income before (provision) benefit for income taxes, equity in losses (earnings) of unconsolidated businesses and dividends from unconsolidated businesses. “Fixed charges” include interest expense, capitalized interest and the portion of rent expense representing interest. We classify interest expense recognized on uncertain tax positions as income tax expense, and therefore such interest expense is not included in the ratios of earnings to fixed charges.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for repaying debt, making capital investments, funding working capital requirements or other general corporate purposes, including financing acquisitions and refinancing existing indebtedness.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

Authorized Capital Stock

Our restated certificate of incorporation provides authority to issue up to 6,500,000,000 shares of stock of all classes, of which 6,250,000,000 are shares of common stock, $0.10 par value per share, and 250,000,000 are shares of preferred stock, $0.10 par value per share.

Common Stock

Subject to any preferential rights of the preferred stock, holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends on that stock out of assets legally available for distribution when, as and if authorized and declared by the board of directors and to share ratably in assets legally available for distribution to our shareholders in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up. We may not pay any dividend or make any distribution of assets on shares of common stock until cumulative dividends on shares of preferred stock then outstanding, if any, having dividend or distribution rights senior to the common stock have been paid.

Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters voted on generally by the shareholders, including the election of directors. In addition, the holders of common stock possess all voting power except as otherwise required by law or except as provided for by any series of preferred stock. Our restated certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting for the election of directors.

Preferred Stock

Our board of directors is authorized at any time to provide for the issuance of all or any shares of our preferred stock in one or more classes or series, and to fix for each class or series voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and distinctive designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the board of directors providing for the issuance of the preferred stock and to the fullest extent as may be permitted by Delaware law. This authority includes, but is not limited to, the authority to provide that any class or series be:

• subject to redemption at a specified time or times and at a specified price or prices;

• entitled to receive dividends (which may be cumulative or non-cumulative) at rates, on conditions and at times, and payable in preference to, or in relation to, the dividends payable on any other class or classes or any other series;

• entitled to rights upon the dissolution of, or upon any distribution of, our assets; or

• convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any class or classes of our stock, or our other securities or property, at a specified price or prices or at specified rates of exchange and with any adjustments.

As of the date of this prospectus, no shares of preferred stock are outstanding.

Preemptive Rights

No holder of any shares of any class of our stock has any preemptive or preferential right to acquire or subscribe for any unissued shares of any class of stock or any authorized securities convertible into or carrying any right, option or warrant to subscribe for or acquire shares of any class of stock.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The principal transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES

General

We will issue debt securities under an indenture between us and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor to Wachovia Bank, National Association, formerly known as First Union National Bank), as trustee, dated as of December 1, 2000, as amended. To the extent provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities may be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any class or classes of our stock, or our other securities or property.

We have summarized material provisions of the indenture and the debt securities below. This summary does not describe all exceptions and qualifications contained in the indenture or the debt securities. In the summary below, we have included references to article and section numbers of the indenture so that you can easily locate these provisions.

The debt securities will be unsecured and will rank equally with all of our senior unsecured debt. The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that may be issued and each series of debt securities may differ as to its terms.

A supplement to the indenture, board resolution or officers’ certificate will designate the specific terms relating to any new series of debt securities. (SECTION 301) These terms will be described in a prospectus supplement and, in some cases, a pricing supplement, and will include the following:

• title of the series;

• total principal amount of the series;

• maturity date or dates of the series;

• interest rate and interest payment dates of the series;

• any redemption dates, prices, obligations and restrictions of the series;

• any provisions permitting the series of debt securities to be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any class or classes of our stock, or our other securities or property, at a specified price or prices or at specified rates of exchange and with any adjustments; and

• any other material terms of the series.

Form and Exchange

The debt securities will normally be denominated in U.S. dollars, in which case we will pay principal, interest and any premium in U.S. dollars. We may, however, denominate any series of debt securities in another currency or composite currency. In those cases, payment of principal, interest and any premium on such series would be in that currency or composite currency and not U.S. dollars.

Book-Entry Only Form

The debt securities will normally be issued in book-entry only form, which means that they will be represented by one or more permanent global securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, which we refer to as “DTC,” or its nominee. We will refer to this form here and in the prospectus supplement as “book-entry only.”

In the event that debt securities are issued in book-entry only form, DTC will keep a computerized record of its participants (for example, your broker) whose clients have purchased the securities. Each participant will then keep a record of its clients who purchased the securities. A global security may not be transferred, except that DTC, its nominees and their successors may transfer an entire global security to one another.

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In the case of book-entry only debt securities, we will wire principal and interest payments to DTC’s nominee. We and the trustee will treat DTC’s nominee as the owner of the global securities for all purposes. Accordingly, neither we nor the trustee will have any direct responsibility or liability to pay amounts due on the debt securities to owners of beneficial interests in the global securities.

Under book-entry only form, we will not issue physical certificates representing beneficial interests in the global securities to individual holders of the debt securities. Beneficial interests in global securities will be shown on, and transfers of global securities will be made only through, records maintained by DTC and its participants. Debt securities represented by a global security will be exchangeable for debt securities in certificated form with the same terms in authorized denominations only if:

• DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository;

• DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under applicable law and a successor depository is not appointed by us within 90 days; or

• We instruct the trustee that the global security is exchangeable for debt securities in certificated form.

Certificated Form

Alternatively, we may issue the debt securities in certificated form registered in the name of the debt security holder. Under these circumstances, holders may receive physical certificates representing the debt securities. Debt securities in certificated form will be transferable without charge except for reimbursement of taxes, if any. We will refer to this form in the prospectus supplement as “certificated.”

Redemption Provisions, Sinking Fund and Defeasance

The prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities will describe the circumstances, if any, under which we may redeem such series of debt securities. If a series of debt securities is subject to a sinking fund, the prospectus supplement will describe those terms. (ARTICLES ELEVEN and TWELVE)

The indenture permits us to discharge or defease certain of our obligations on any series of debt securities at any time. We may defease such obligations relating to a series of debt securities by depositing with the trustee sufficient cash or government securities to pay all sums due on that series of debt securities. (ARTICLE FOUR)

Liens on Assets

The debt securities will not be secured. However, if at any time we incur other debt or obligations secured by a mortgage or pledge on any of our property, the indenture requires us to secure the debt securities equally and ratably with the debt or obligations secured by such mortgage or pledge for as long as such debt or obligations remain secured. Exceptions to this requirement include the following:

• purchase-money mortgages or liens;

• liens on any property or asset that existed at the time when we acquired that property or asset;

• any deposit or pledge to secure public or statutory obligations;

• any deposit or pledge with any governmental agency required to qualify us to conduct any part of our business, to entitle us to maintain self-insurance or to obtain the benefits of any law relating to workmen’s compensation, unemployment insurance, old age pensions or other social security; or

• any deposit or pledge with any court, board, commission or governmental agency as security for the proper conduct of any proceeding before it. (SECTION 1004)

The indenture does not prevent any of our affiliates from mortgaging, pledging or subjecting to any lien, any property or asset, even if the affiliate acquired that property or asset from us.

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We may issue or assume an unlimited amount of debt under the indenture. As a result, the indenture does not prevent us from significantly increasing our unsecured debt levels, which may negatively affect the resale of the debt securities. (SECTION 301)

Changes to the Indenture

The indenture may be changed with the consent of holders owning more than 50% of the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the change. However, we may not change your principal or interest payment terms or the percentage required to change other terms of the indenture without your consent and the consent of others similarly affected. (SECTION 902)

We may enter into supplemental indentures for other specified purposes, including the creation of any new series of debt securities, without the consent of any holder of debt securities. (SECTION 901)

Consolidation, Merger or Sale

The indenture provides that we may not merge with another company or sell, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our property to another company unless:

• the successor corporation expressly assumes:

• payment of principal, interest and any premium on the debt securities; and

• performance and observance of all covenants and conditions in the indenture;

• after giving effect to the transaction, there is no default under the indenture;

• we have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and opinion of counsel stating that such transaction complies with the conditions set forth in the indenture; and

• if as a result of the transaction, our property would become subject to a lien that would not be permitted by the asset lien restriction, we secure the debt securities equally and ratably with, or prior to, all indebtedness secured by that lien. (ARTICLE EIGHT)

Events of Default

An event of default means, for any series of debt securities, any of the following:

• failure to pay interest on that series of debt securities for 90 days after payment is due;

• failure to pay principal or any premium on that series of debt securities when due;

• failure to perform any other covenant relating to that series of debt securities for 90 days after notice to us;

• certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization; and

• any other event of default provided for in the supplement to the indenture, board resolution or officers’ certificate designating the specific terms of such series of debt securities.

An event of default for a particular series of debt securities does not necessarily impact any other series of debt securities issued under the indenture. (SECTION 501)

If an event of default for any series of debt securities occurs and continues, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the debt securities of such series may declare the entire principal of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. If this happens, subject to certain conditions, the holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the debt securities of that series can rescind the declaration if there has been deposited with the trustee a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest, principal and any premium. (SECTION 502)

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The holders of more than 50% of the outstanding principal amount of any series of the debt securities, may, on behalf of the holders of all of the debt securities of that series, control any proceedings resulting from an event of default or waive any past default except a default in the payment of principal, interest or any premium. (SECTION 512) We are required to file an annual certificate with the trustee stating whether we are in compliance with all of the conditions and covenants under the indenture. (SECTION 704)

Concerning the Trustee

Within 90 days after a default occurs with respect to a particular series of debt securities, the trustee must notify the holders of the debt securities of such series of all defaults known to the trustee if we have not remedied them (default is defined to mean any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an event of default with respect to such series of debt securities as specified above under “—Events of Default”). If a default described in the third bullet point under “—Events of Default” occurs, the trustee will not give notice to the holders of the series until at least 60 days after the occurrence of that default. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the debt securities of any default (except in the payment of principal, interest or any premium) if it in good faith believes that withholding this notice is in the interest of the holders. (SECTION 602)

Prior to an event of default, the trustee is required to perform only the specific duties stated in the indenture, and after an event of default, must exercise the same degree of care as a prudent individual would exercise in the conduct of his or her own affairs. (SECTION 601) The trustee is not required to take any action permitted by the indenture at the request of holders of the debt securities, unless those holders protect the trustee against costs, expenses and liabilities. (SECTION 603) The trustee is not required to spend its own funds or become financially liable when performing its duties if it reasonably believes that it will not be adequately protected financially. (SECTION 601)

U.S. Bank National Association, the trustee, and its affiliates have commercial banking relationships with us and some of our affiliates and serves as trustee or paying agent under indentures relating to debt securities issued by us and some of our affiliates.

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CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT

The following discussion pertains to debt securities that are issued in book-entry only form.

The Clearing Systems

In the event that the debt securities are issued in book-entry only form, the debt securities may be settled through DTC. In the event that the prospectus supplement to this prospectus so provides, debt securities in book- entry only form may also be settled through accounts maintained at Clearstream Banking,société anonyme, Luxembourg, commonly known as Clearstream, or the Euroclear System, commonly known as Euroclear. In this case, links will be established among DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear to facilitate the issuance of the debt securities and cross-market transfers of interests in the debt securities associated with secondary market trading. DTC is linked indirectly to Clearstream and Euroclear through the depositary accounts of their respective U.S. depositaries. The descriptions of the operations and procedures of DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear described below are provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of these settlement systems and are subject to change by them from time to time. Neither we, the trustee, nor any underwriter, dealer, agent or purchaser takes any responsibility for these operations or procedures, and investors are urged to contact the relevant system or its participants directly to discuss these matters.

The clearing systems have advised us as follows:

DTC

DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a banking organization within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the U.S. Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered under Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its participants, known as DTC participants, deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among DTC participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through computerized records for DTC participants’ accounts. This eliminates the need to exchange certificates. DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations.

DTC’s book-entry system is also used by other organizations such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that work through a DTC participant. The rules that apply to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

Upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest, DTC will credit DTC participants’ accounts on the payment date according to such participants’ respective holdings of beneficial interests in the global securities as shown on DTC’s records. In addition, it is DTC’s current practice to assign any consenting or voting rights to DTC participants whose accounts are credited with securities on a record date, by using an omnibus proxy. Payments by DTC participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global securities, and voting by DTC participants, will be governed by the customary practices between the DTC participants and owners of beneficial interests, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in street name. However, these payments will be the responsibility of the DTC participants and not of DTC, the trustee, any paying agent, if applicable, or us.

Clearstream

Clearstream is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional depositary. Clearstream holds securities for its participating organizations, known as Clearstream participants, and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between Clearstream participants through electronic book-entry changes inaccounts of Clearstream participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates.

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Clearstream provides to Clearstream participants, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. As a registered bank in Luxembourg, Clearstream is subject to regulation by the Commission for the Supervision of the Financial Sector (Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier). Clearstream participants are recognized financial institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations and may include an underwriter, dealer, agent or purchaser engaged by us to sell the debt securities. Indirect access to Clearstream is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Clearstream participant either directly or indirectly. Clearstream has established an electronic bridge with Euroclear to facilitate settlement of trades between Clearstream and Euroclear.

Distributions with respect to interests in the debt securities held beneficially through Clearstream will be credited to cash accounts of Clearstream participants in accordance with its rules and procedures, to the extent received by the U.S. depositary for Clearstream.

Euroclear

Euroclear was created in 1968 to hold securities for its participants, known as Euroclear participants, and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear participants and between Euroclear participants and participants of certain other securities intermediaries through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash. Euroclear is owned by Euroclear plc, a U.K. limited liability company, and operated through a license agreement by Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., known as the Euroclear operator. The Euroclear operator provides Euroclear participants, among other things, with safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement, securities lending and borrowing and related services. Euroclear participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries and may include an underwriter, dealer, agent or purchaser engaged by us to sell the debt securities.

Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to others that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear participant, either directly or indirectly.

The Euroclear operator is a Belgian bank regulated by the Belgian Banking and Finance Commission and is overseen as the operator of a securities settlement system by the National Bank of Belgium.

Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear operator are governed by the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System, and applicable Belgian law, collectively referred to as the terms and conditions. The terms and conditions govern transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear, withdrawals of securities and cash from Euroclear, and receipts of payments with respect to securities in Euroclear. All securities in Euroclear are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts. The Euroclear operator acts under the terms and conditions only on behalf of Euroclear participants, and has no record of or relationship with persons holding through Euroclear participants.

Distributions with respect to debt securities held beneficially through Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts of Euroclear participants in accordance with the terms and conditions, to the extent received by the U.S. depositary for Euroclear.

Global Clearance and Settlement Procedures

Initial settlement for the debt securities will be made in U.S. dollars, in same-day funds, unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement. Secondary market trading between DTC participants will occur in the

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ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in same-day funds using DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System. In the event that the prospectus supplement to this prospectus provides that the debt securities may also be settled through Clearstream and Euroclear, secondary market trading between Clearstream participants and/or Euroclear participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with the applicable rules and operating procedures of Clearstream and Euroclear and will be settled using the procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in same-day funds.

Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly through DTC participants, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Clearstream or Euroclear participants, on the other, will be effected in DTC in accordance with DTC rules on behalf of the European international clearing system by its U.S. depositary; however, these cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to the European international clearing system by the counterparty in that system in accordance with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines (European time). The European international clearing system will, if a transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its U.S. depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in the debt securities in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for settlement in DTC. Clearstream participants and Euroclear participants may not deliver instructions directly to their respective U.S. depositary.

Because of time-zone differences, credits of debt securities received in Clearstream or Euroclear as a result of a transaction with a DTC participant will be made during subsequent securities settlement processing and dated the business day following the DTC settlement date. The credits or any transactions in the debt securities settled during this processing will be reported to the Clearstream or Euroclear participants on the same business day. Cash received in Clearstream or Euroclear as a result of sales of the debt securities by or through a Clearstream participant or a Euroclear participant to a DTC participant will be received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the Clearstream or Euroclear cash account only as of the business day following settlement in DTC.

Although DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear are expected to follow these procedures in order to facilitate transfers of interests in securities among participants of DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear, they will be under no obligation to perform or continue to perform these procedures and these procedures may be changed or discontinued at any time by any of them. Neither we, the trustee nor any paying agent, if applicable, will have any responsibility for the performance of DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Verizon Communications Inc. (Verizon Communications) appearing in its Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 29, 2016, for the year ended December 31, 2015, the financial statement schedule of Verizon Communications appearing in Verizon Communications’ Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the effectiveness of Verizon Communications’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included or incorporated by reference therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

LEGAL MATTERS

William L. Horton, Jr., Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Verizon Communications, will issue an opinion about the validity of any common stock, preferred stock or debt securities

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offered pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. As of August 19, 2016, Mr. Horton beneficially owned 9,389 shares of Verizon Communications common stock.

Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP of New York, New York will issue an opinion on certain legal matters for the agents or underwriters. Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP from time to time represents Verizon Communications and its affiliates in connection with matters unrelated to the offering of the securities.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell any of the securities:

• through underwriters or dealers;

• through agents; or

• directly to one or more purchasers.

The prospectus supplement or pricing supplement will include:

• the initial public offering price;

• the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents;

• the purchase price of the securities;

• our proceeds from the sale of the securities;

• any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other underwriters’ or agents’ compensation;

• any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

• any option by the underwriters to purchase additional securities.

If underwriters are used in the sale, they will buy the securities for their own account. The underwriters may then resell the securities in one or more transactions, at any time or times, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices.

This prospectus should not be considered an offer of the securities in states where prohibited by law.

If there is a default by one or more of the underwriters affecting 10% or less of the total number of shares of capital stock or principal amount of debt securities offered, the non-defaulting underwriters must purchase the securities agreed to be purchased by the defaulting underwriters. If the default affects more than 10% of the total number of shares of capital stock or principal amount of the debt securities, we may, at our option, sell less than all the securities offered.

Underwriters and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act. Any discounts or commission that we pay them and any profit that they receive from the resale of the securities by them may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. We may have agreements with underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments which they may be required to make.

Underwriters and agents may be customers of us or our affiliates, may engage in transactions with us or our affiliates or perform services for us or our affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

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Verizon Communications Inc.

$                 % Notes due 20

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

Joint Book-Running Managers

BofA Merrill Lynch Lead Green Structuring Agent	Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
February     , 2019