Bell Atlantic Network Integration Announces New Program For Enhanced Nationwide Installation Services

Bell Atlantic Network Integration Announces New Program For Enhanced
Nationwide Installation Services

AMP and WESCO ally with BANI to provide economical, high-quality cable
and infrastructure implementation for new Nationwide Authorized Installer
Program

January 20, 1997

FRAZER, Pa. - Bell
Atlantic Network Integration (BANI), a subsidiary
of Bell Atlantic Corp. (NYSE: BEL), today announced the launch of its
Nationwide Authorized Installer Program, designed to "BANI authorize"
independent installers across the country. In addition, BANI has
reached agreements in principle to ally with AMP,
Inc. and WESCO Distribution,
Inc. respectively, that will promote
timely, economical manufacturing and distribution of high-quality
cabling products for BANI's authorized installers.

This Nationwide Authorized Installer Program enhances BANI's national
delivery capabilities. Approximately 100 contractors throughout the
United States will be trained and certified for expert, efficient
cable and infrastructure installation. These cabling, electrical and
integration contractors will be screened and selected based on a
number of factors, including a demonstrated history of financial
stability and customer satisfaction and an accessible technical labor
pool with recognized industry certifications and technical
proficiencies. BANI will train these qualified installers in the
specialties of router, hub and remote access equipment installation.
A local member of the BANI team will be on hand to see every project
through, regardless of location.

"Since our inception, BANI has always demonstrated an ability to
provide the quality services our customers demand," said Rick Meares,
BANI vice president of field operations. "The establishment of this
program ensures high caliber and low cost installation of both
infrastructure and networks, reinforcing BANI's commitment to customer
service on a national level."

"We are honored and excited that an integrator as highly regarded as
BANI would select us as their networking systems supplier," said
Charlie Fox, director of sales and marketing for the AMP Premises
Systems and Services Group. "This relationship attests to the high
quality and breadth of our product portfolio, and our ability to rise
to the demands placed by BANI and its network of installers."

"WESCO's local focus and national reach is about fast, efficient
delivery," said Michael Ludwig, director and general manager of WESCO,
"and we are thrilled to be selected by BANI as a leader in what we do.
Our commitment to BANI and its customers is to deliver solutions with
unequaled service levels through customer support and distribution
excellence."

This next step toward quality assurance of its services through the
Nationwide Authorized Installer Program is a logical one for BANI,
which recently became the first full-service network integrator to
receive company-wide ISO 9001 certification. BANI's ability to
achieve this certification in only five months demonstrates BANI's
commitment to delivering high-quality service. This program is
designed to bring these quality assurance benefits to all parties
involved.

About AMP, Inc.
An established worldwide leader in communications components and
cabling products, AMP provides complete premises cabling and LAN
interconnect systems solutions. Building on core competencies in the
design and manufacture of open cabling systems based on fiber optic,
as well as traditional copper twisted pair technologies, AMP offers
single source solutions based on industry standards. AMP is
headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., and employs 42,000 people in 45
countries around the world. The company had $5.23 billion in sales in
1995.

About WESCO Distribution, Inc.
WESCO Distribution, Inc. is a privately held electrical, industrial
and data communications distribution company, headquartered in
Pittsburgh, Pa.. WESCO operates 300 full-service branches throughout
North America. Their 4500 employees are responsible for generating
and supporting 1996 annual product sales approaching $2.5 billion,
representing more than 100,000 of the most recognized and commonly
used products in industrial, commercial, construction and electric
utility markets.

About BANI
Bell Atlantic Network Integration (BANI), a subsidiary of Bell
Atlantic Corp., is a full-service voice, data and video network
integrator designed and dedicated to provide customers with a single
point of contact for all communication network needs. BANI's
cutting-edge integration services cover the full "Network Life-cycle"
from planning and implementation through to management and operation
of enterprise-wide networks. Founded in 1993, BANI is headquartered
in Frazer, Pa., and has 32 offices across the United States.

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.

####