Bell Atlantic Brings New Jobs to Cumberland

Bell Atlantic Brings New Jobs to Cumberland

Launch of 'National 411' Increases Call Volumes,
Need for More Directory Assistance Operators

May 25, 1999

CUMBERLAND, Md. -- Bell Atlantic - Maryland is bringing 34 new
jobs to Cumberland to help handle increased call volumes resulting from
the launch of the company's new national directory assistance service in
the state.

Last month, Bell Atlantic began an aggressive advertising campaign
promoting its new National 411 Directory Assistance service to customers
in Maryland. With National 411, customers simply dial the familiar
"411" code, say the city, state and name or business whose
number they want and a Bell Atlantic operator will provide it.

"The introduction of National 411 has created new job opportunities
in Western Maryland, and that's important because this is an area where
jobs and investment are very much needed," said Sherry F. Bellamy,
president and CEO of Bell Atlantic - Maryland. "This is a
competitive service where our employees can make all the difference.
Bell Atlantic people work in a dynamic environment where the focus is on
customer care, innovation, teamwork, accountability and empowerment --
the hallmarks of Bell Atlantic's service ethic."

Bell Atlantic operators have handled about 350,000 additional calls since
National 411 service was introduced on April 1. Operators are taking
over 12,000 calls per day in Maryland and handling more than 3,000 calls
from the Cumberland office alone.

"Bell Atlantic's decision to place more jobs in Cumberland is a
powerful endorsement of our area as an attractive place for new business
and job growth," said Del. Casper R. Taylor, Jr., (D-Allegany),
speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates. "This is a significant
boost for our economic development efforts because Bell Atlantic is a
high-quality employer. We're hoping that the company's continued
success will mean even more jobs in Western Maryland."

Bell Atlantic operators are trained experts in searching for and delivering
accurate listings. The company has installed new software in its directory
assistance systems and trained operators to process requests for telephone
numbers in all 50 states.

Local listings are still available by dialing 411 and cost 25 cents per call,
with six free local directory assistance calls each month. Statewide and
National 411 service costs 95 cents for each call. For either local or
national service, customers may request two listings per call.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and
information industry. With 43 million telephone access lines and nine
million wireless customers worldwide, Bell Atlantic companies are
premier providers of advanced wireline voice and data services, market
leaders in wireless services and the world's largest publishers of directory
information. Bell Atlantic companies are also among the world's largest
investors in high-growth global communications markets, with
operations and investments in 23 countries.