Bell Atlantic accelerates roll out of internet access to businesses, universities and governments across Mid-Atlantic States

RESTON, Va. -- Businesses, universities and governments across the mid-Atlantic region can now order Bell Atlantic's dedicated, high-speed Internet access service. Organizations can choose from several options ranging from 1.5 mega bits per second (mbs) to 34 mbs.

"Because businesses are moving quickly to harness the power of the Internet, Bell Atlantic has accelerated deployment of its dedicated, high-speed Internet access service," said Bob Beran, president of Bell Atlantic Internet Solutions. "By the end of November, all of Bell Atlantic's major markets will be on-line for this high-speed access and by early 1997 the entire region will have dedicated access."

The service was developed by Bell Atlantic Internet Solutions, a new unit of Bell Atlantic created to develop and deliver a full range of Internet services to businesses, governments and consumers -- from Internet access to electronic mail to World Wide Web site production and hosting.

The high-speed service provides Bell Atlantic customers with Internet access using the company's switched, multi-megabit data service (SMDS). This is a high-speed transmission service designed specifically for data, and which provides Internet connections without disrupting voice or other services.

High-speed or dedicated Internet access customers for Bell Atlantic to date include: General Motors Acceptance Corp. in Philadelphia, Commerce Bank in New Jersey and the Journal Newspapers and Marymount University in the Washington, D.C., area.

High-speed, dedicated Internet access is marketed by various organizations at Bell Atlantic as well as by third party organizations that sell Bell Atlantic Internet services. Customers interested in Internet services from Bell Atlantic should call their Bell Atlantic service or sales representative.

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.