Bell Atlantic Response to MD PSC Decision on AT&T Local Services

January 23, 1996

BELL ATLANTIC RESPONDS TO DECISION ALLOWING AT&T
TO PROVIDE LOCAL TELEPHONE SERVICE IN MARYLAND

On January 17, the Maryland Public Service Commission
granted
AT&T's request for authority to offer local telephone service to
business and residential customers. The following statement
should be attributed to Dan Whelan, president and CEO of Bell
Atlantic - Maryland.

"We knew this decision was inevitable. We are somewhat surprised
the
commission granted AT&T's request before resolving important issues,
like how this decision will impact universal service, whether or not
AT&T will be allowed to access our operational systems and whether or
not we must provide services to AT&T for resale at some wholesale
rate. However, we accept the commission's decision because it
acknowledged these issues are important and that they must be
addresses before AT&T can enter the marketplace."

Bell Atlantic Corporation (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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for more information, contact:

Michel Daley, (202) 392-1021
michel.l.daley@bell-atl.com