Bell Atlantic introduces new Internet features for Morgantown Yellow Pages

Bethesda, Md. -- Bell Atlantic's White and Yellow Pages have new and useful Internet-related features, including a beginner's Internet Guide. The new directory also has a new logo and cover design. Residents and businesses in Morgantown, W. Va., are currently receiving the new 1997-1998 editions.

The new features in the directories are designed to make Bell Atlantic the customer's first choice for information-based shopping.

"The new Bell Atlantic directories for the Morgantown area reflect our belief in providing our customers and advertisers with local information and services that allow for global access, such as the Internet," said Robert A. Graham, president and chief executive officer of Bell Atlantic Directory Services.

Bell Atlantic's Internet Guide provides an overview of the Internet in easy-to-understand language for the novice Internet user. The Internet Guide -- supported by advertising in a 12-page tabbed insert -- contains information on hardware and software requirements, a glossary, a step-by-step approach for connecting to the World Wide Web, tips on choosing an Internet service provider and a list of recommended Web sites. The guide complements Bell Atlantic's Big YellowSM, the nation's leading online shopping directory.

For the first time in the Morgantown region, Yellow Pages listings include an optional extra line for E-mail and Web site addresses to respond to the growing number of Web sites. Industry analysts indicate that some fifty percent of all U.S. companies have set up Web sites.

Enhanced Yellow Pages features, including the Blue Pages government listings and coupon pages, also will appear in the new Morgantown directory.

The design for the Morgantown directory covers includes the new Bell Atlantic logo and an illustration of the Coopers Rock State Forest. The forest is rich in American history, having been occupied by Native Americans and early pioneers in the iron ore industry. During the timber era of the 20th century, permanent logging camps and saw mills were constructed. By 1936, most of the land was timbered and burned, resulting in the West Virginia Conservation Commission purchasing the land to manage as Coopers Rock State Forest. In 1959, West Virginia University signed a 99-year lease for more than 7,600 acres to be used for research and teaching. Soon after, a series of hiking trails were developed, and today the Coopers Rock State Forest, with over 12,700 acres, serves as a recreation and preservation area.

The cover illustrator is accomplished artist Mary Lynn Blasutta, who is based in New Paltz, N.Y. Her illustrations, which will be featured on all the company's 500 directories, further demonstrate Bell Atlantic's commitment to the communities it serves in 13 states and Washington, D.C.

Bell Atlantic is the world's largest publisher of Yellow Pages shopping directories.

The new Bell Atlantic (NYSE: BEL) is at the forefront of the new communications, information and entertainment industry. With 40 million telephone access lines and 5.8 million wireless customers worldwide, the corporation is the premier provider of advanced wireline voice and data service the eastern United States and a market leader in wireless services. Bell Atlantic also is the world's largest provider of directory information and one of the world's largest investors in high-growth global communications markets, with operations and investments in 21 countries.