Verizon originally started out as Bell Atlantic during the breakup of the Bell System. It originally operated in the states of the Mid-Atlantic region.
In 1998, Bell Atlantic proposed merging with GTE Corporation. Bell Atlantic acquired it in 2000 and merged with them to become Verizon Communications (a portmanteau of the Latin word "veritas" (meaning truth) and "horizon"). The merger was publicly announced on April 3, approved on June 16, and completed by June 30.[1][2]
This logo is still used on phone cards, some affiliate stores and payphones. It can also be seen on some sidewalk covers.
On September 2, 2015, Verizon introduced a new logo designed by Pentagram that phased out the red "z" and moved the checkmark next to the "n". Like 2000, this logo is still used on phone cards and some payphones.