Bell Atlantic's New Telephone Directories Remind Customers to Dial 10-Digits for Local Calls Now

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September 25, 1996

Bell Atlantic's New Telephone Directories Remind
Customers to Dial 10-Digits for Local Calls Now

Company To Introduce Two New Area Codes Beginning in
1997

BALTIMORE, Md. - As Marylanders adopt the habit of
dialing 10 digits
for their local phone calls, Bell Atlantic is making the transition
easy with the publication of its 1996-97 phone directories.

As the new phone books are delivered between now and November,
customers will find that all telephone numbers listed in the new
Maryland directories will contain ten digits - the area code and
telephone number. These listings will ensure that customers always
know the correct code to use when making local calls, and will ease
their transition to dialing ten digits for local calls.

"Our goal is to help customers get used to using the 'ten-number
number' for all their local calls today," said Daniel J. Whelan, president and
CEO, Bell Atlantic - Maryland. "The new directories
will offer helpful guidance to customers who have any questions."

Whelan added that the customer guide section of the new phone books
also will provide detailed information on the new dialing changes.
Around the end of 1997, new telephone numbers assigned in Maryland
will have new area codes. The new 240 area code will work in the same
region as 301, and the new 443 area code will work in the same region
as 410. Since two new area codes will be introduced within the same
boundaries as 301 and 410, all local calls will require 10-digit
dialing, the area code plus the seven-digit phone number.

The codes are being added in response to an explosion in customer
demand for fax machines, cellular phones, pagers, computer modems and
the new telephone numbers that must go with them.

"Numbers currently in the 301 and 410 area codes will not change.
That's the beauty of the new overlay method," said Whelan.
"Moreover,
a local call will always be a local call -dialing 10 digits will not
change anyone's rates."

Long distance calls will require, as they do today, dialing a
"1" in
addition to the area code and phone number. Customers still will dial
911 for emergencies and 411 for Directory Assistance.

To inform and prepare customers for the change, Bell Atlantic is
conducting an extensive public information campaign including bill
inserts, direct mail literature, brochures and news releases. In
addition, information is available on Bell Atlantic's Internet Home
Page (http://www.bell-atl.com/).

Bell Atlantic also is helping business customers make the transition
by asking them to check with their telecommunications suppliers now to
see whether their Private Branch Exchange equipment (PBX) should be
modified to accommodate 10-digit dialing and new area codes. Bell
Atlantic also urges owners of fax machines, speed dialers or computer
modems to reprogram their equipment for 10-digit dialing now.

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.

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