Bell Atlantic Simplifies Ordering Telecom Services for GOP Convention

Bell Atlantic Simplifies Ordering Telecom Services for GOP Convention

Customers Point, Click, Order Service in Minutes Online

May 15, 2000

PHILADELPHIA - Bell Atlantic, the official local telecommunications provider for the 2000 Republican National Convention, today announced that news organizations and others now can order the telecommunications services they'll need for the event online, anytime.

Customers simply go to Bell Atlantic's home page at www.bellatlantic.com, and click on the icon "Order services for the 2000 Republican National Convention." Within minutes, companies can fill out an easy order form and make selections quickly and securely.

"Customers want to be able to set up service anytime, and they want the information to do that at their fingertips," said Joseph Cascio, Bell Atlantic executive vice president-enterprise business. "This site does the trick, and puts a whole new spin on the concept of e-tailing."

Convention-goers can use their computer mouse to order the services Bell Atlantic offers for the four-day event, which begins July 31 and runs through Aug. 3. Choices range from conventional voice lines to ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) circuits, high speed data links like DS-1 and DS-3, private line services and video circuits.

"This is another example of how technology will make this convention the best in history," said Chip DiPaula, convention manager for the 2000 Republican National Convention. "I commend Bell Atlantic for its initiative and inventive approach to serving the thousands of customers who will converge on Philadelphia this summer."

Customers with more detailed questions about those services also can find comprehensive information on the company's convention offerings online. A 27-page guide will help customers determine which options best suit their needs, find prices, and locate general product information. Bell Atlantic wrote the online guide and its paper companion in cooperation with the organizers of the 2000 Republican National Convention, to assist them in achieving their goal of creating a "flawless, seamless logistical" experience for all 45,000 delegates, news media and other attendees.

"Responding to business customer needs creatively and flexibly is part of our daily routine," said Kathie Revak, director - business to business e-commerce, Bell Atlantic Telecom Group Systems. "We developed the site in just a few weeks. It's a good example of our ability to meet the needs of both short-term, intensive events like the convention and long-range projects as well."

Behind the Web site, a team of experienced Bell Atlantic employees will give special attention to each order. The group, based in Harrisburg, Pa., will follow up with each customer by phone.

The Web site tools, developed by Bell Atlantic's enterprise business group, will continue to be available to customers long after the GOP convention ends. Convention goers who wish to order telecommunications services over the phone can call Bell Atlantic toll-free at 877-7-RNC-RNC. Outside North America, callers may dial 717-780-9994.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and information industry. With more than 44 million telephone access lines and more than 20 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.