GTE takes the lead in providing bundled telecommunications services--Company marks 200,000-customer milestone

IRVING, Texas In the race to deliver "bundles" of telecommunications services, GTE Communications Corporation (GTECC) has pulled into first place as a provider of all-in-one packages for residential customers.

GTECC, the national sales and marketing arm of GTE Corporation, now has 200,000 residential customers using its bundled services, more than any other competitive local exchange company. GTECCs basic bundle, called GTE Unlimited^SM, includes local and long-distance service and special calling features, such as call waiting or caller ID. Enhanced bundles include Internet access, paging and wireless service.

For customers, the bundle means simplicity--all services appear on one monthly bill, at one flat rate, and one number to call for assistance.

"We knew two years ago that bundled telecommunications would be the future of the industry," said Butch Bercher, president of GTE Communications Corporation. "We have made significant investments in marketing, systems and customer support to provide what customers want: convenience, value, and simplicity. The market response has been great," Bercher said.

GTE Unlimited service is marketed in California, Florida, Indiana, and Washington. Prices for the basic bundle begin at around $38 a month and vary according to the amount of long-distance included. Many customers who experience the convenience of the GTE Unlimited bundle add additional services over time.

"Our experience shows that once the customer buys the bundle, GTE is their first point of contact for additional products and services. In some cases, our bundled customers are spending 40 percent more than they did with their former local provider. And why not? Weve put together a package of telecommunications services people use all the time. Our strength is that we can provide both local and long-distance service in these bundles. Thats something many other telecommunications companies are still trying to do," Bercher said.

About GTECC and GTE

GTE Communications Corporation is the national retail sales and service arm for GTE Corporation. With 1998 revenues of more than $25 billion, GTE Corporation is one of the worlds largest telecommunications companies and a leading provider of integrated telecommunications services. In the United States, GTE provides local service in 28 states and wireless service in 17 states; nationwide long-distance service and internetworking services ranging from dial-up Internet access for residential and small business consumers to Web-based applications for Fortune 500 companies; as well as video service in selected markets. Outside the United States, the company serves nearly 9 million telecommunications customers.

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