Bell Atlantic Urges New York Consumers to Carefully Review Offers for Local Phone Service

Bell Atlantic Urges New York Consumers to
Carefully Review Offers for Local Phone
Service

Advertising Campaign Debuts Today;
Before You Bite and Switch, Check the Bait

December 9, 1999

NEW YORK -- Be sure you know exactly what you'll be getting when
you choose another company to provide local phone service.

That's the message in a Bell Atlantic advertising campaign launched in
New York today. The ads are directed at consumers who face confusing
choices as they consider a barrage of advertising, direct mail and calls
from the companies now providing local phone service in the state.

"Local phone competition is here in New York and that's good for
everyone, but consumers need to be careful as they wade through all the
promises," said Bob Ingalls, Bell Atlantic vice president for
consumer services.

"The message in the ads -- 'before you bite and switch, check the
bait' -- speaks for itself. With so many choices, consumers need to
carefully examine the options so they can make sure a plan meets their
personal needs. They shouldn't be surprised when they get their first bill
and perhaps find that they are paying for more than they need."

Bell Atlantic has heard from many New York consumers who have
switched to another local service provider only to find that they end up
paying more or they have services or options they don't need. Many of
those customers have switched back to Bell Atlantic.

The Bell Atlantic advertising campaign starts with print ads in daily
newspapers today. Television ads will begin next week.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and
information industry. With more than 43 million telephone access lines
and more than 10 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.