Bell Atlantic, Telergy Launch 'Seamless' Service to Speed Data Communications Across Regional Calling Areas

Bell Atlantic, Telergy Launch 'Seamless' Service
to Speed Data Communications Across Regional Calling Areas

December 28, 1998

NEW YORK -- A recent agreement between Bell Atlantic and Telergy will
make it easier for businesses to find solutions for their data communications
needs. Effective immediately, the two companies will jointly provide fast packet
ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) cell relay services to businesses in Bell
Atlantic's east coast service area.

The Fast Packet Duet Advantage agreement entered into by the two companies
answers the need of a growing number of businesses for one-stop shopping for
high-speed telecommunications. ATM cell relay service consolidates voice, data
and video communications on a single circuit at speeds up to 155 mbs (million
bits per second), providing greater capacity and flexibility.

The cooperative agreement between Bell Atlantic and Telergy provides for
referral for those business customers who require fast packet services between
regional calling areas.

"It's one-stop shopping, something most of our businesses clearly want," said
Evelyn Gaines, fast packet product manger in Bell Atlantic's Carrier Services
group. "The Fast Packet Duet Advantage will make it much easier for businesses
to get solutions to their voice, data and video needs."

Fast packet services are already widely available to Bell Atlantic's customers.
However, because of restrictions imposed in 1984 at the time of the Bell System's
divestiture, Bell Atlantic cannot offer such services that cross the boundaries of
regional calling areas called LATAs (local access transport areas).

Under Bell Atlantic's relationship with firms like Telergy, customers can obtain
seamless, end-to-end fast packet ATM services for their voice, data and video
needs. Bell Atlantic will provide the fast packet service within its regional calling
areas. Telergy will provide the service between them.

"This ATM offering validates the commitment we've made to the integrity of our
network," said Brian Kelly, CEO of Telergy.

Bell Atlantic and Telergy plan to connect their ATM networks early next year in
Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. Other states in Bell Atlantic's region
will be connected by the end of next year, Gaines said.

Telergy is an integrated communications provider based in Syracuse, N.Y.
Telergy is constructing a state-of-the-art fiber optic telecommunications network
in the northeastern U.S. and Canada, largely along the rights-of-way of electric
and gas utilities. Telergy markets local and long distance voice and data services,
and is now offering energy service.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and information
industry. With 42 million telephone access lines and eight 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.