BELL ATLANTIC BRINGS JAMES EARL JONES TO CELLULAR CONVENTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 1996

BELL ATLANTIC BRINGS JAMES EARL JONES
TO CELLULAR
CONVENTION

Arlington, VA -- The cellular telecommunications industry will
get a taste of Hollywood next week at its annual convention in Dallas,
Texas, courtesy of Bell Atlantic's Carrier Services line of business.
James Earl Jones, renowned actor and the voice of Bell Atlantic, will
open the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA)
convention Monday morning in the Stadium Arena of the Dallas Convention
Center.

Jones serves as a spokesperson for Bell Atlantic's products and services.
Besides seeing him in Bell Atlantic television commercials, customers now
hear his familiar baritone voice welcoming them to Bell Atlantic whenever
they call directory assistance.

Jones will be available later on Monday for autographs and photo
opportunities at the Bell Atlantic Carrier Services booth (Number 1347)
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2-3:30 p.m.

From 7-9 p.m. Monday evening, Jones will greet industry executives at a
reception hosted by Bell Atlantic Carrier Services at Dallas' Wyndham
Anatole Hotel. The media are invited to attend.

The Bell Atlantic Carrier Services booth follows the theme "Leading
the Way in Wireless Access." Using multi-media demonstrations, Bell
Atlantic Carrier Services features such products as Calling Party Pays,
billing services, PCS Support Services, Microcell Transport, SS7 for
Wireless, Type 2 and Special Access Term Pricing.

The Bell Atlantic Carrier Services line of business provides switched,
special and wireless access to Bell Atlantic's telecommunications
network. Carrier Services also is developing new wireless services, such
as personal communications services; new access services, such as
Facilities Management Service; billing services, and increased network
survivability through Bell Atlantic®IntelliLight(SM) services.

Bell Atlantic Corporation (NYSE: BEL) is at the forefront of the new
communications, entertainment and information industry. In the
mid-Atlantic region, the company is the premier provider of local
telecommunications and advanced services. Globally, it is one of the
largest investors in the high-growth wireless communication marketplace.
Bell Atlantic also owns a substantial interest in Telecom Corporation of
New Zealand and is actively developing high-growth national and
international business opportunities in all phases of the industry.

####

for more information, contact:

Paul Miller, 804-772-1460
miller@ba.com