Bell Atlantic Enhances Yellow Pages Offerings With Internet Guide

Bell Atlantic Enhances Yellow Pages Offerings With Internet Guide

February 11, 1997

BETHESDA, Md. - Bell Atlantic Directory Services today
unveiled the
newest member of the Yellow Pages family - The Internet Guide. A
primer for consumers interested in getting started on the Internet,
the Internet Guide will become a standard part of Bell Atlantic's
Yellow Pages directories.

Bell Atlantic will introduce the four-color, 12-page tabbed insert in
March in the Elizabeth, N.J., and Loudoun/Fauquier, Va., Yellow Pages
directories. Throughout the next two years, the Internet Guide will
be included as a directory feature in the Yellow Pages reaching nearly
every consumer and business in the Bell Atlantic region.

"With the rapid growth of the Internet and the shift from 'techie'
to
'mainstream' usage, we believe that consumers will benefit from a
how-to guide to the Internet," said Greg Hanifee, Bell Atlantic
Internet Guide product manager. "It is a natural fit to incorporate
useful, basic information on the Internet in the Yellow Pages,"

Bell Atlantic's Internet Guide provides an overview of the Internet in
easy to understand language for the novice Internet user. The
Internet Guide contains information on hardware and software
requirements for getting started on the Internet, a glossary of key
terms, a step-by-step approach for connecting to the web, tips on
shopping for an Internet service provider and a list of recommended
web sites.

Bell Atlantic collaborated with HomePC magazine to develop
content
for the Internet Guide. HomePC magazine provides evaluations and
information on computer-related technologies, the Internet and online
services. Bell Atlantic's Internet Guide was written by Charles
Bowen, contributing editor to HomePC magazine and author of Modem
Nation, a recently published book on Internet consumer resources.
Bowen also hosts "Internet News," a syndicated daily radio show.

An Internet Guide user can begin by reviewing the chart of recommended
minimum hardware specifications for buying a new PC or
Macintosh* that
supports basic or faster Internet access. The Guide will help users
evaluate their own needs in selecting an Internet service provider or
online service. Once the basic elements are established, the Internet
Guide explains how navigational tools locate topic-specific
information on the World Wide Web. The Internet Guide also provides
new and current Internet users with recommended sites to enhance the
surfing experience.

"Today, people are inundated with so much information about the
Internet, home pages and web sites that the general result is total
confusion," said Ellen Pearlman, editor-in-chief of HomePC
magazine.
"What Bell Atlantic and HomePC have done is provide consumers
with a
free, comprehensive, step-by-step approach to using and getting the
most out of the Internet."

The Internet Guide is advertiser supported. Several advertising
opportunities are available in the Bell Atlantic Internet Guide
including: premium space on the tab, display space in the Internet
Guide and categorized web sites.

Bell Atlantic Directory Services Inc. is a separate subsidiary of Bell
Atlantic. Bell Atlantic Corp.
(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.

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* Trademark of Apple Computer