Consumers Now Get One-Stop Shopping for Bell Atlantic Services, Equipment

Consumers Now Get One-Stop Shopping for Bell Atlantic Services, Equipment

New Approach Improves Customer Satisfaction

June 26, 2000

NEW YORK - Consumers who want a cordless telephone with a Caller ID display now can buy one at the same time they call to order Bell Atlantic's Caller ID service.

The convenience of one-stop shopping for Bell Atlantic's versatile call-handling services and the equipment that makes using them easy is now available to residential customers in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia, and will be available to Maryland customers next week.

Beginning today, customers can maximize the benefits of Caller ID, Home Voice Mail, Call Waiting, *69, Three-Way Calling and other services when they buy feature-rich equipment from Bell Atlantic residential sales and service centers. Both the services and the phone equipment can be purchased with one phone call.

"By integrating equipment sales with the sale of these services, we're simplifying the process for our customers while providing the best tools available to benefit from these services," said Bob Ingalls, vice president of consumer marketing for Bell Atlantic. "This will result in happier customers, a higher retention rate for the services, and increased sales of both services and equipment."

Until now, customers could buy the equipment separately from Bell Atlantic TeleProducts, the company's equipment subsidiary, or in retail stores on their own.

Bell Atlantic representatives now will offer customers three models of telephones and a stand-alone Call Waiting ID display unit. The telephones, two cordless and one corded, include Call Waiting ID capability and message waiting indicators. Some models feature innovative preprogrammed buttons for accessing Home Voice Mail, Call Waiting, *69, Three-Way Calling and other features, as well as intercoms, speakerphones and speed dialing. Caller ID displays are on the handsets of the cordless phones, instead of the base, making them easy to see. (See equipment and features list, attached.)

"We selected the equipment we're selling because it makes using call-management services easier. Ease of use improves overall customer satisfaction," Ingalls said. "Pre-programmed buttons available on some of these sets eliminate the need to dial codes to activate and manage value-added services. All these features increase the value of the services."

The two cordless models offered reflect the growing consumer preference for cordless phones, Ingalls said.

During trials last year, sales of value-added services increased when equipment was offered at the same time. Sales personnel have been trained to explain the services and equipment in ways that meet customer needs.

Equipment already is available from Bell Atlantic's residential sales and service centers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware and will be offered in New York and New England later this year.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and information industry. With nearly 44 million telephone access lines and 12 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.

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Telephone Equipment Product Sheet

CWID/CID Cordless Feature Speakerphone (900 MHz Digital Spread Spectrum) Model: CL980	50 names/numbers in Caller ID log and directory Backlit display Extended range & clarity Keypad on base & handset Preprogrammed feature keys on base & handset: Cancel Three-way Calling, Three-Way Calling, Call Forwarding Home Voice Mail navigation keys and access key Hold, redial, flash, mute buttons Message Waiting light Desk or wall mount Color: Off white
CWID/CID 900 MHz Digital Cordless Phone Model: VT1921	50 names/numbers in Caller ID log Backlit display Extended range Face up or face down charger Preprogrammed feature key for speed dialing (20 numbers) Hold, redial, flash buttons Message Waiting light Desk or wall mount Color: Black
CWID/CID Corded Feature Speaker Phone Model: CT250	50 names/numbers in Caller ID log and directory Caller ID display Preprogrammed feature keys: Three-Way Calling, Cancel Three-Way Calling, Call Forwarding, Cancel Call Forwarding, Repeat Call Call Block, Home Voice Mail access key Hold, redial, flash, mute buttons Message Waiting light Desk or wall mount Color: Off white
CWID Display Unit Model: 5050	56 names/number storage Flash key for Call Waiting ID visual indicator Dial-back button to dial displayed number on CID Message Waiting light Desk or wall mount
Extended Warranty "Platinum Plan"	2 year Extended Warranty Bell Atlantic TeleProducts single point of contact for all warranty issues Will repair or replace product at no charge if manufacturer's defect 15% off regular prices on all future orders placed with Bell Atlantic TeleProducts FedEx shipping at reduced rates Extended warranty only available at time of equipment purchase