Bell Atlantic Unveils New Points of Pride Cover Design For Portland 1999 -- 2000 Directory

Bell Atlantic Unveils New Points of Pride Cover Design
For Portland 1999 -- 2000 Directory

Bell Atlantic and WHOM-FM to Award iMac Apple Computer Prize for
New England "Points of Pride" Contest

August 3, 1999

PORTLAND, Maine -- Bell Atlantic Yellow Pages today begins
distributing the 1999-2000 Portland directory to local businesses and
residents, which features the latest "Points of Pride" cover
design in the shape of Maine. The new cover design highlights where
people live and work in a unique "Points of Pride" montage.

More than 200,000 copies of the directory are being distributed throughout
Portland.

In conjunction with the roll out of the new directories and cover design,
Bell Atlantic and WHOM-FM are co-sponsoring a "Points of
Pride" contest on WHOM's Web site. Listeners can submit their
favorite New England "Point of Pride," such as a favorite
statue or park, a humorous landmark, or a location for a family outing, at
http://www.whom949.com. The contest runs from Aug. 1 through Aug.
15, culminating with the grand prize winner receiving an iMac Apple
computer by random drawing on Aug. 15, 1999.

A helpful Internet Guide, designed for the novice Internet user, appears in
the new Portland directory. The Internet Guide features a 12-page tabbed
insert that offers information about connecting to the World Wide Web,
hardware and software requirements, tips on choosing an Internet service
provider, Frequently Asked Questions and a list of popular local, regional
and national Web sites.

In addition, the Bell Atlantic Yellow Pages for Portland contains recycling
information designed to educate consumers on what, where and how to
recycle.

Bell Atlantic is the world's largest publisher of Yellow Pages shopping
directories. Its affiliate, Bell Atlantic Electronic Commerce Services, is the
creator of BigYellow®, a leading national online shopping service.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and
information industry. With more than 43 million telephone access lines
and nearly 10 million wireless customers worldwide, Bell Atlantic
companies are premier providers of advanced wireline voice and data
services, and market leaders in wireless services. Bell Atlantic companies
are also among the world's largest investors in high-growth global
communications markets, with operations and investments in 23 countries.