Bell Atlantic expands statewide network of Electronic Payment Centers

WILMINGTON, Del. -- Paying phone bills is now faster and easier for Bell Atlantic customers in Delaware because there are more than twice as many electronic payment centers around the state. Customers can pay their Bell Atlantic phone bill at more than 70 businesses that electronically record their payments or they can use pay-by-phone services offered by local banks.

 

When customers pay their phone bills at any authorized electronic payment location in Delaware, the company is notified of the payment in minutes. The electronic payment centers are located in a variety of businesses such as supermarkets, drug and convenience stores and check cashing centers.

 

"We've added more than 40 electronic payment locations throughout Delaware in the past year with customer convenience in mind," said Joshua W. Martin III, president and CEO of Bell Atlantic-Delaware. "Our goal is to ensure that customers' payments are credited to their accounts as quickly as possible and to provide convenient payment locations. We are continuing to seek additional electronic payment centers to achieve this objective."

 

Martin said Bell Atlantic-Delaware customers also may use several pay-by-phone services provided by local banks to pay their telephone bills 24 hours a day. Customers should check with their bank to see if it provides this service. Because these electronic payment methods are available, PNC Bank no longer will accept cash payments of Bell Atlantic phone bills at Delaware branch offices or ATM machines after Dec. 31, 1996. CoreStates and Wilmington Trust also will phase out such payments in Delaware in the first quarter of 1997. However, customers of all three banks will be able to use pay-by-phone services to pay their bills electronically.

 

Many of the electronic payment locations throughout the state are open before and after normal business hours and on weekends. Customers may call 1-800-273-0053 to hear a list of payment locations and hours.

 

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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.