Bell Atlantic Announces New Pennsylvania Area Codes

Bell Atlantic Announces New Pennsylvania Area Codes

New 570, 267, 484 Area Codes Needed to Increase Number Supply

June 16, 1998

PHILADELPHIA -- Three new area codes will be introduced in eastern
Pennsylvania to deal with the growing shortage of available phone numbers
-- 570, 267 and 484.

The new codes, announced today by Bell Atlantic, were assigned by
Lockheed Martin, which administers the North American Numbering Plan.

In December, some residents and businesses in the current 717 area will
change to the new 570 area code.

In June 1999, new phone numbers in the 215 area code will be assigned the
new 267 code. At the same time, new phone numbers in the current 610
area will be assigned the new 484 code.

"We will do all we can to help customers prepare for these changes
including the new ten-digit dialing that will be necessary in southeastern
Pennsylvania when the 267 and 484 area codes are introduced," said
Sandra Scott, Bell Atlantic-Pennsylvania area code implementation
manager.

On May 21, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced the so-called
"geographic split"to create a new area code in the 717 area. The PUC
adopted a different plan to create two new area codes for southeastern
Pennsylvania -- "overlaying"a new area code over the geographic areas
served by each of the existing 215 and 610 area codes.

The overlay approach will require customers in the current 215 and 610
areas to dial 10-digits (the area code plus the seven-digit number) for all
calls, even calls to the house next door.

In the coming months, Bell Atlantic will help customers learn the new
codes and dialing patterns so they'll reach the numbers they need once the
changes occur.

Listed below are the specifics on how customers will dial calls:

717/570 -- northeastern and south-central Pennsylvania

Customers calling within either the 717 or 570 area codes will
continue to dial seven digits for local and toll calls. When placing calls
between 717 and 570 or to other area codes in Pennsylvania or across
the country, customers must dial 1 + area code + seven-digit number.
(A preliminary list of the telephone exchanges assigned to the new 570
Area Code is attached.)

FACTS

• Customers should begin dialing the new area code Dec. 5,
  1998, when the dialing change begins. If they forget, their calls
  will still go through.

• Beginning in April 1999, callers must use the new area code or
  the call will not go through. Customers who do not dial the
  717 or 570 area code when necessary, will
  hear recorded announcement saying that the 717 or 570 area
  code (preceded by 1) must be dialed to complete the call.

• The area code change will not affect the price of phone service,
  and a customer's local calling area will remain the same, even if it
  includes calls to communities in the new area code.

• Bell Atlantic serves approximately 800,000 customers in the
  existing 717 area code.

• There are 18 independent telephone companies providing
  service in the existing 717 area code.

215/267 and 610/484 -- southeastern Pennsylvania

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated
ten-digit dialing when overlays are implemented to create new area
codes. Accordingly, after 267 and 484 overlay area codes are fully
implemented in June 1999, all residential and business customers
placing calls within and between the 215/267 and 610/484 area codes
must dial the area code plus the 7-digit phone number. It will not be
necessary to dial on '1' first on these calls.

FACTS

• When the 267 and 484 overlay area codes are created, no
  communities or municipalities will be split. Customers in the existing
  215 and 610 area codes will not have to change any of their telephone
  numbers.

• The new overlay area codes in southeastern Pennsylvania will
  have no impact on customers' local calling areas or rates.

• Customers should start dialing the new area codes and "ten-
  number numbers" on Dec. 5.

• Beginning June 6, 1999, customers who forget will hear a
  reminder that 10 digits must be dialed for the call to be
  completed.

• For customers who request an additional line, Bell Atlantic will
  make every effort to assign a telephone number in the current area
  code.

• Bell Atlantic serves approximately 1.l million customers in the
  215 area code and approximately 900,000 in the 610 area code.

Customers with questions may call the Area Code Customer
Information line at 1-800-500-2167, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.

Bell Atlantic -- formed through the merger of Bell Atlantic and NYNEX --
is at the forefront of the new communications and information industry.
With more than 41 million telephone access lines and 6.7 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.