Bell Atlantic Network Now All Digital in New England

Bell Atlantic Network Now All Digital in New England

Massachusetts Becomes Newest 100 Percent Digital State

March 31, 1998

BOSTON -- With the installation of a state-of-the-art digital switch
in Hyannis, Massachusetts, Bell Atlantic's telecommunications network
is now 100 percent digitally switched throughout New England. The
region of nearly seven million telephone access lines is the first in
the nation to be served by a 100 percent digital network.

"A modern telecommunications network is the single most important
element in the Commonwealth's information economy and it affects every
aspect of society," said Robert Mudge, Bell Atlantic vice
president-Massachusetts. "Massachusetts now has one of the most
advanced statewide digital telephone networks in the nation. This is a
major milestone for the Commonwealth and Bell Atlantic."

Bell Atlantic has invested more than $1.1 billion in Massachusetts
over the last two years alone to build and maintain its network here.
Digital switches and high-tech signaling systems now connect customers
throughout the Commonwealth via 418,000 miles of fiber optic cable.

Digital switching provides Bell Atlantic customers with more reliable
and dependable telephone service. In addition, it transmits
information about calls separately from the actual voice transmission,
routing calls over the network more efficiently.

The new digital switch will improve service to about 32,000 lines in
the Hyannis / Barnstable area. Customers in the 771,775, 776, 778,
790, 862 exchanges may notice a softer dial tone, a different Call
Waiting signal and other slight differences.

Bell Atlantic customers across the state will have access to the
latest modern services including Integrated Switched Digital Network
(ISDN), Voice Messaging, Ringmate, Intellidial, Frame Relay and
PHONESMART services.

Residence customers can get information on these services and others
by calling Bell Atlantic at the number shown on their monthly bill.
Business customers should contact their Bell Atlantic sales
representative.

Bell Atlantic - formed through the merger of Bell Atlantic and NYNEX -
is at the forefront of the new communications and information
industry. With 40.5 million telephone access lines and six 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 21 countries.