Bell Atlantic's Network Investment in Delaware Yields Solid Results During 1999

Bell Atlantic's Network Investment in Delaware Yields Solid Results During 1999

Over $72 Million Invested This Year; Company Notes Other Delaware Milestones

December 29, 1999

WILMINGTON -- Delaware consumers and businesses are served by
one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in the country,
thanks to an aggressive network investment program Bell Atlantic
continued during 1999. The company spent over $72 million to
modernize, expand and upgrade the vast telecommunications network that
serves the First State.

"As this decade ends, we've delivered on our promise to equip
Delaware with an advanced telecommunications network that will help the
state, its businesses, schools, libraries and consumers be successful in the
new Millennium," said Bell Atlantic -- Delaware President and CEO
Joshua W. Martin III.

The funds were used primarily to expand the company's fiber--optic
facilities and to continue adding the latest technology to Bell Atlantic's 33
call--routing centers throughout the state.

Bell Atlantic added 3,666 miles of fiber--optic cable in Delaware, bringing
the state's overall fiber--optic network to 84,857 miles -- or enough to
circle the Earth more than three times. Fiber--optic systems use laser--
generated light pulses and digital technology to provide greater capacity,
higher transmission speeds and better quality for voice, video and data
transmitted over the network.

"We continue to build the 21st century network that was begun
under the Telecommunications Technology Investment Act (TTIA), and
we have exceeded our own commitments to this great state," Martin
said.

Martin noted other milestones the company achieved in the First State
during 1999:

• Bell Atlantic Mobile launched the first "Call Me" wireless
  trial in Delaware, in which cellular phone customers now have the choice
  to have all incoming calls billed to the calling party.

• Continuing to share the benefits of the TTIA, Bell Atlantic
  substantially reduced Touch Tone rates for Delaware business customers
  and residence customers.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and information
industry. With more than 43 million telephone access lines and more than 10
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.