Verizon said today it will begin offering Google Apps with its broadband service for small and medium-sized businesses.

Google Apps for Verizon features Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs and Google Sites.  Google Apps for Verizon provides three free user accounts and is available to businesses that subscribe to a bundle consisting of Verizon Internet service.

The bundles with Google Apps are available in Washington, D.C., and parts of 12 states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia.  Google Apps for Verizon is also available as a stand-alone service to all businesses across the country for $3.99 per month per user.  

"Small and medium-sized businesses have been clamoring for a simple, cost-effective solution so they can stay focused on their core business and not waste time figuring out which tools they need," said Monte Beck, vice president of small-business marketing for Verizon.

"With Verizon’s business bundled packages, which now include Google Apps for Verizon, all the essential functions needed to run a business effectively and efficiently are now easily accessible to our business customers and their employees, anytime and anywhere."