Bell Atlantic Executive Donald Sacco to Retire At Close of GTE Merger

Bell Atlantic Executive Donald Sacco to Retire
At Close of GTE Merger

November 4, 1999

NEW YORK -- Donald J. Sacco, Bell Atlantic executive vice president -
Human Resources and Labor Relations, today announced plans to retire
upon completion of the Bell Atlantic/GTE merger. The two companies
have targeted closing their merger late in the first quarter of 2000.

In his current position, Sacco is responsible for human resource policies
affecting Bell Atlantic's 140,000 employees, as well as retirees. He also
oversees contract negotiations and other matters related to the unions
represented within Bell Atlantic.

"I've had 35 rewarding and exciting years with Bell Atlantic and I
am very proud of being part of the team that has made our company a
leader in the telecommunications industry," Sacco said.
"While my family and I are looking forward to the pleasures and
rewards of retirement, I will truly miss all of the wonderful people I've had
the privilege of knowing in this great business."

"Don has been a wonderful partner and an outstanding officer of
our business for many years," said Bell Atlantic Chairman and CEO
Ivan Seidenberg. "His many contributions, steady hand and sense of
humor have provided me with a constant source of great support during
these tumultuous times."

Prior to his current position, Sacco was vice president - Human Resources
for NYNEX.

Sacco began his telecommunications career in 1965 with New York
Telephone, where he held positions in revenue accounting, information
systems, comptrollers and marketing.

In 1986, Sacco was appointed vice president - Corporate Marketing for
NYNEX and in 1988, he became president -- NYNEX Systems
Marketing, a company responsible for account management and sales
activities for NYNEX's largest customers.

In early 1990, Sacco became group vice president - NYNEX Worldwide
Information and Cellular Services Group, and later that year he was named
vice president - Marketing and Planning.

Sacco graduated from City College of New York in 1962 with a bachelor's
degree in business administration in international finance and trade.

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.