Bell Atlantic Completes Digital Network For Customers Across New York

Bell Atlantic Completes Digital Network For Customers Across New York

Last analog telecommunications switch to be replaced Oct. 31

October 28, 1998

NEW YORK -- One small step by Bell Atlantic on Oct. 31 will be a giant
leap for its New York customers.

With the activation of a state-of-the-art digital call-switching system in the
rural upstate community of Mexico on Saturday, Bell Atlantic will have
completed its digital network in New York. Mexico is the last of the
company's 523 switching centers across the state to convert to
computerized, digital call-routing systems. In addition to providing new
telecommunications services and features for Bell Atlantic's customers, the
digital network will provide the foundation for the state's technological and
economic growth into the next century.

Bell Atlantic leads the nation in digital switching within local networks.
Nearly 98 percent of Bell Atlantic's computerized switches in 13 states and
the District of Columbia already have been converted to faster, more
reliable digital systems.

"A modern telecommunications network is the single most essential
element in an information-based economy," said Edward H. Sproat,
president of Bell Atlantic Network Services. "Completion of the digital
network in New York is a major milestone for Bell Atlantic and its
customers."

Since 1995, Bell Atlantic has invested more than $2.6 billion to expand and
improve its digital network in New York. Across the Bell Atlantic region,
from Maine to Virginia, the company has invested more than $12 billion in
digital network upgrades.

When combined with nearly 1 million miles of fiber optic cable connecting
about 12 million customer lines throughout the state, Bell Atlantic's
network provides New Yorkers with one of the most reliable and
technologically-advanced communications systems in the world. Bell
Atlantic has deployed about 4.5 million miles of fiber-optic cable
throughout its region.

In addition to offering the high-speed capacity needed by businesses for
data and other information transfers, Bell Atlantic's New York network
provides the high-tech building blocks for such services as distance
learning and telemedicine.

"Using this network to meet the telecommunications needs of our
customers will continue to be our primary mission as we approach the next
century," Sproat said.

Bell Atlantic customers across the state have access to the most modern
telecommunications services including ISDN (Integrated Services Digital
Network) and, beginning early next year, many New Yorkers will be able
to order the company's newest high-speed service, Bell Atlantic Infospeed
DSLsm. Infospeed DSL is Bell Atlantic's brand name for ADSL, or
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line technology, which will provide
Internet access to consumers at speeds 11 to 126 times faster than that
afforded by a 56 kilobits per second (Kbps) modem. ADSL technology
allows consumers to use a single phone line to send faxes or make phone
calls while they're surfing the Internet.

Digital switching of calls also provides consumers with features such as:

- Caller ID - Displays the telephone number of the person calling you
after the first ring. Customers must order the service from Bell Atlantic
and purchase devices separately to display numbers of incoming calls.
Blocking options that prevent numbers from being displayed on Caller
ID devices are available at no charge to Bell Atlantic customers.

- Repeat Dialing - Automatically redials a busy number for up to 30
minutes.

- Call Return - Redials the number of the last caller.

- Call Trace - Sends the telephone number of the last caller to the Bell
Atlantic Annoyance Call Bureau.

- Ringmate Service - Allows two or three telephone numbers to be
associated with one telephone line. Each number has a distinctive ring.
The service is convenient for families with teenage children or anyone
with a home business.

- Call Answering Service - Answers calls and takes a message when no
one is available to answer the phone. Residential and small business
customers can have one or more mailboxes for members of the family or
employees.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and information
industry. With more than 42 million telephone access lines and eight
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.