GTE offers complete package of calling services that can savecustomers up to 65 percent.

IRVING, Texas - GTE today introduced a complete package of enhanced calling services that when purchased together saves customers up to 65 percent over everyday rates.

The calling services package includes caller ID, call waiting, cancel call waiting, call forwarding, three-way calling, *69 auto call return, *66 auto busy redial, distinctive ring, special call acceptance, call block, anonymous call block, special call forwarding, VIP alert and speed call 30 - all for $16.95 per month. Availability of services varies by state. In Texas, the complete package of services costs $15.95. When customers sign up for GTE's complete package of calling services they will also receive a free caller ID/call waiting ID box¹. (Editor's note: See attached enhanced calling services glossary)

"These services help people save time, increase productivity and flexibility and avoid unnecessary aggravation," said Jody Bilney, vice president-consumer markets for GTE Network Services. "By bundling them together, we can deliver valuable services to customers at a very attractive price. This also gives customers the flexibility to have a full selection of calling services, literally at their fingertips, to meet their varying needs."

Customers can continue to buy calling services separately, but the savings add up when purchased as part of the complete package offer. In most GTE-served areas for instance, caller (name and number) ID costs $7.95 per month and caller (number only) ID costs $7 per month. For only a few dollars more, customers can have the complete package of calling services, including caller ID.

GTE customers have shown a strong interest in adding calling services to their phone service. At the end of the third quarter 1999, caller ID posted unit sales gains of 37 percent and voice mail grew by 27 percent over the previous year. Today, more than 50 percent of GTE local phone customers enjoy value added calling services.

GTE's special promotion on the complete package of calling services runs through March 31 in most markets served by GTE. Customers can order GTE's complete package of voice services by calling 1-888-GTE-GIFT (1-888-483-4438) or visit http://www.gte.com for more information.

GTE's complete package of calling services is available today in Alabama, California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

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About GTE

With 1999 revenues of more than $25 billion, GTE is a leading telecommunications provider with one of the industry's broadest arrays of products and services. In the United States, GTE provides local service in 28 states and wireless service in 18 states, as well as nationwide long-distance, directory, and internetworking services ranging from dial-up Internet access for residential and small-business consumers to Web-based applications for Fortune 500 companies. Outside the United States, the company serves customers on five continents. More information about GTE can be found at http://www.gte.com.

GTE's community and philanthropic programs target excellence in education, particularly math, science, technology and literacy. GTE also supports job training, delivery of health and human services, and the arts. The company's newest program is GTE Reads, a public charity designed to create public awareness, increase fundraising and support organizations dedicated to improving America's literacy levels. GTE customers can contribute to GTE Reads by checking off a box on their bill. Others can contribute through GTE Superpages.com http://www.superpages.com.

GTE Enhanced Calling Services Glossary

*66 Auto Busy Redial

When you receive a busy signal and then activate Automatic Busy Redial, the busy number is monitored until it is open, then informs you with a distinctive ring; you pick up the phone, the call is connected

*69 Auto Call Return

Allows an automatic return call to the last person who dialed your number

Anonymous Call Block

Blocks callers who are listed as "anonymous" on caller ID

Call Block

Keeps unwanted calls from getting through; you activate the service by entering the phone number of an unwanted caller

Call Forwarding

Enables you to send incoming calls to another phone number

Caller ID

Lets you know who is calling before deciding whether to answer the phone

Call Waiting

Alerts you to a second incoming call while on the phone; allows you to alternate between two callers

Cancel Call Waiting

Enables you to turn off the Call-Waiting feature for an individual phone call

Distinctive Ring

Provides two phone numbers and two distinct rings on one phone line

Special Call Acceptance

Allows only calls from a pre-selected list of up to 12 numbers; other callers not included on the list hear a recorded message indicating that you are not presently accepting calls

Special Call Forwarding

Allows you to forward designated calls to a different location

Speed Call 30

Dials faster by storing important phone numbers; press only two or three buttons to dial

Three-Way Calling

Allows three people at three different phone numbers to talk together at the same time, no matter who placed the call

Voice Mail

Offers a reliable way to get messages when away from the phone

VIP Alert

A special ring alerts you that one of your 12 designated phone numbers is calling