Bell Atlantic Introduces New Internet and Consumer Features for Baltimore Yellow Pages

Bell Atlantic Introduces New Internet and Consumer Features for Baltimore Yellow Pages

New Book Cover Features the Lady Maryland

December 2, 1997

Bethesda, Md. -- Bell Atlantic's White and Yellow Pages have new
and
useful Internet-related features, including a beginner's Internet
Guide. The new directory also has a new logo and cover design.
Residents and businesses in Baltimore, Md., are currently receiving
the new 1997-1998 Greater Baltimore East, West and City editions.

The new features in the directories are designed to make Bell Atlantic
the customer's first choice for information-based shopping.

"The new Bell Atlantic directories for the Baltimore area reflect our
belief in providing our customers and advertisers with local
information and services that allow for global access, such as the
Internet," said Robert A. Graham, president and chief executive
officer of Bell Atlantic Directory Services.

Bell Atlantic's Internet Guide provides an overview of the Internet in
easy-to-understand language for the novice user. The Internet
Guide -- supported by advertising in a 12-page tabbed insert -- contains
information on hardware and software requirements, a glossary, a
step-by-step approach for connecting to the World Wide Web, tips on
choosing an Internet service provider and a list of recommended Web
sites. The guide complements Bell Atlantic's Big Yellow^SM, the
nation's leading online shopping directory.

For the first time in the Baltimore region, Yellow Pages listings
include an optional extra line for E-mail and Web site addresses to
respond to the growing number of Web sites. Industry analysts
indicate that some fifty percent of all U.S. companies have set up Web
sites.

The Baltimore Yellow Pages also include enhanced InfoTips and coupon
pages. InfoTips is a free service that allows users to obtain recorded
consumer information on various topics ranging from bicycles to tax
preparation by calling a local phone number.

The design for the Greater Baltimore directory covers includes the new
Bell Atlantic logo and an illustration of the schooner Lady Maryland,
which was built in 1985-86 by students and instructors of the Living
Classrooms Foundation. The Lady Maryland was the first Learn by Doing
project of the foundation, an outreach initiative for disadvantaged and
at-risk youth. Standing 92 feet tall and weighing over 82 tons, Lady
Maryland serves as a unique classroom in which the students of Living
Classrooms continue to experience hands-on learning. Students from
every county in Maryland sail the schooner on the Chesapeake Bay and
coastal waters from Maryland to Maine.

The cover illustrator is accomplished artist Mary Lynn Blasutta, who is
based in New Paltz, N.Y. Her illustrations, which will be featured on
all the company's 500 directories, further demonstrate Bell Atlantic's
commitment to the communities it serves in 13 states and Washington,
D.C.

Bell Atlantic is the world's largest publisher of Yellow Pages
shopping directories.

The new Bell Atlantic (NYSE: BEL) is at the forefront of the new
communications, information and entertainment industry. With 40
million telephone access lines and 5.8 million wireless customers
worldwide, the corporation is the premier provider of advanced
wireline voice and data service in the eastern United States and a
market leader in wireless services. Bell Atlantic is one of the
world's largest investors in high-growth global communications
markets, with operations and investments in 21 countries.