NYNEX's Research Division Achieves Prestigious Quality Certification

January 16, 1997

CONTACT: Sharon Beadle, 212-395-1802

NYNEX's Research Division Achieves Prestigious Quality Certification

--NYNEX Science & Technology first in North American telecommunications industry certified at an ISO 9001 level with TickIT--

White Plains, NY, Jan. 16, 1997 --NYNEX announced today its research and development company has achieved one of the business world's highest quality standards -- International Organization for Standardization's ISO 9001, including TickIT registration. NYNEX Science & Technology Inc. (NYNEX S&T) is the only major telecommunications organization in North America certified at a 9001 level with TickIT.

Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance (LRQA), an independent auditor, recommended NYNEX S&T for this certification after a year-long effort that culminated in a rigorous assessment of the company's processes, including: consultation, systems integration and testing, project management, software development, and maintenance and support.

"NYNEX S&T has worked hard in the last year, improving their processes to the point where they are compliant with the rigorous ISO 9001 standards and the TickIT guidelines for information technology," said Larry Bannister, lead auditor, LRQA. "They should be commended for their hard work in meeting these world-class standards and achieving an important milestone for the organization."

ISO 9001 is the only internationally recognized quality standard that covers the entire business lifecycle of a product or service. The International Organization for Standardization established the ISO 9001 model to assure the creation of auditable quality systems that strengthen an organization's capabilities to deliver cost-effective, superior quality products.

"ISO certification is not a one-shot deal. It is an ongoing commitment to meeting stringent standards that guarantee our ability to deliver the highest quality products and services on time and within budget," said Edmond Thomas, executive vice president, Research and Development, NYNEX S&T. "This distinction not only puts NYNEX S&T's products and services ahead of those of other telecommunications companies, but it also demonstrates the caliber and commitment of the NYNEX people who put us there."

The additional TickIT certification is a guideline for ISO 9001, specifically for software development, and demonstrates an even more focused standard of quality for a company. TickIT is supported by the U.K. Department of Trade and Industry and the British Computer Society and stands for "Tick Information Technologies."

In order to ensure that quality standards continue to be met, a key requirement of ISO 9001 is an ongoing series of internal quality audits to guarantee that the organization is continually improving its processes, and a continuing program of independent surveillance audits by a certified ISO 9001 outside auditor.

International Organization for Standardization is a Geneva-based worldwide federation founded in 1946 to promote the development of international standards and related activities to facilitate the exchange of goods and services worldwide.

NYNEX Science & Technology, Inc. draws upon top researchers from around the world to provide the technical direction and expertise for developing new services, improving current NYNEX products and services, and increasing operational efficiencies. NYNEX S&T was established in 1985, making NYNEX the first regional Bell company to operate its own internal research & development organization.

NYNEX is a global communications and media

corporation that provides a full range of services in the

northeastern United States and high-growth markets around

the world, including the United Kingdom, Thailand,

Gibraltar, Greece, Indonesia, the Philippines, Poland,

Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The corporation is a leader

in telecommunications, wireless communications, directory

publishing and video entertainment and information services.

NYNEX is also managing sponsor of FLAG -- Fiberoptic Link

Around the Globe -- the world's longest undersea fiber optic

communications cable.

FAX copies of recent NYNEX news releases are available free of charge, 24 hours a day. Call 1-800-331-1214 and an automated system will provide instructions.