Bell Atlantic Response to PA PUC Decision for Overlay in 412

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 1996

BELL ATLANTIC RESPONDS TO THE PUC'S DECISION
ON THE DIMINISHING SUPPLY OF PHONE NUMBERS
IN 412 AREA CODE

[The following may be attributed to
William J. Mitchell,
vice president-external affairs,
Bell Atlantic-Pennsylvania]

Bell Atlantic applauds the PUC's decision that an overlay is the best
solution to the problem of diminishing phone numbers in the 412 area
code. The Commission's decision is forward-thinking, pro-competitive,
and benefits both residential and business customers in Pennsylvania.

By introducing a new area code that follows the same boundaries of the
412 area code, the Commission has spared phone customers the
disruption and inconvenience of having their phone numbers changed and
their communities split between area codes -- a solution that will
last for only a limited time, given the current explosion in demand
for new phone numbers.

In the months ahead, Bell Atlantic will conduct an extensive customer
education campaign.

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Media contact:

Shirley Risoldi, 412-633-5574
shirley.a.risoldi@bell-atl.com