Consumer Features for Northern Virginia Yellow Pages

Bell Atlantic Introduces New Internet and
Consumer Features for Northern Virginia Yellow Pages

New Book Cover Features the Alexandria Farmers Market

January 24, 1998

BETHESDA, Md. -- Bell Atlantic's 1998 Yellow and White Pages for the Northern Virginia area contain new and innovative Internet-related features, including a beginner's guide to the Internet. Residents and businesses in Northern Virginia are currently receiving the East, West and South editions, which feature an illustration of the Alexandria Farmers Market.

At an unveiling ceremony today at the Alexandria City Council meeting, Bell Atlantic presented Mayor Kerry J. Donley with a framed cover of the new Northern Virginia directory.

"The Bell Atlantic directories for the Northern Virginia 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 Kathy Koelle, vice president of sales for Chesapeake Directory Sales Company, the sales arm for 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 BigYellowSM,, the nation's leading online shopping directory.

For the first time in the Northern Virginia region, Yellow Pages listings also feature an optional extra line for E-mail and Web site addresses in response to businesses' growing use of the Internet. Industry analysts report that some 50 percent of all U.S. companies have set up Web sites.

Established in 1749, the Alexandria Farmers Market is the oldest continuously operated market in the state of Virginia, and possibly the United States. In colonial times, the market functioned as the center of life in the city of Alexandria. The Alexandria Farmers Market features displays of local crafts and produce every Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

The directory cover illustrator is artist Mary Lynn Blasutta, who is based in New Paltz, N.Y. Her illustrations will be featured on each of Bell Atlantic's 500 directories in the communities it serves in 13 states and Washington, D.C.

The Northern Virginia Bell Atlantic Yellow Pages features InfoSCENE, a visitors' guide that showcases area attractions, entertainment and dining. The guide includes color photographs and maps, along with a telephone number to access current information on menus, schedules and shows through a voice-response service. Also included is an enhanced InfoTips service that allows users to obtain recorded consumer information on various topics ranging from bicycles to tax preparation.

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

Bell Atlantic (NYSE: BEL) is at the forefront of the new communications and information industry. With 40.5 million telephone access lines and 6 million wireless customers worldwide, Bell Atlantic companies are the premier providers of advanced wireline voice and data services in the eastern United States 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 21 countries.