Bell Atlantic Lowers Touch-Tone Rate, Issues One-Time Credit in Delaware

Bell Atlantic Lowers Touch-Tone Rate,
Issues One-Time Credit in Delaware

Regulatory Reform Bill Again Delivers Benefits

June 24, 1999

WILMINGTON -- Bell Atlantic customers in Delaware soon will see
lower rates for Touch-Tone service and a one-time credit on their phone
bills because of adjustments the company is making under the
Telecommunications Technology Investment Act (TTIA).

The Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved reductions
in Touch Tone rates totaling $1.7 million per year, and a $1.7 million one-
time credit for residence and business customers. The reduced rates are
effective July 1, 1999. The new rates and credit will appear on July phone
bills.

"These savings will go directly into the pockets of Delaware
consumers and businesses," said Joshua W. Martin III, president and
CEO of Bell Atlantic - Delaware. "This is further proof that the
state's regulatory reform legislation advantages all Delawareans. Because
of this bill, Bell Atlantic faces the same market incentives as others to
become a more efficient and competitive company. Like all companies in
competitive markets, we're working hard to achieve these goals, and our
customers are realizing the benefits."

There have been no basic rate increases in the five years since Bell
Atlantic -- Delaware elected to be governed under the TTIA. The rate
reductions announced today are the third such reductions in this period.
The legislation allows basic telephone rates to move up or down based on
the national inflation rate, minus a three percent productivity offset.

As a result of the latest rate reductions under the TTIA, Touch-Tone rates
for business customers will be reduced from $1.50 to $0.42 per month.
Touch Tones rates for residence customers will be reduced from $0.60 to
$0.46 per month, a 30 percent decrease. In addition, business customers
will receive a one-time $10.15 credit. Residence customers will see a
$1.42 credit. Long distance companies will also see slight reductions in
the charges they pay Bell Atlantic to complete calls to local customers.

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