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.