Bell Atlantic modernizes Army telecommunications in Europe

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Army telecommunications systems throughout Europe soon will be modernized under a five-year, $38 million Cable Distribution System (CDS) contract awarded to Bell Atlantic by the Army 5th Signal Command headquartered in Germany.

Under the contract, Bell Atlantic Federal Systems will install new telecommuncations equipment and replace World War II-vintage cables to support voice, data and video applications at military installations in Europe. Bell Atlantic will provide centralized program management of the contract to ensure consistency of design and oversight control. The Bell Atlantic team for the CDS contract includes technology suppliers Seimens and Annixter.

"We have a long history of successfully meeting the communications needs of the military," said Ed Rodier, general manager, Bell Atlantic Federal Systems. "This contract demonstrates Bell Atlantic's readiness to provide the military with advanced networking technology and to help build the infrastructure needed to meet the changing needs of troop movements and consolidation in Europe."

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.