February 12, 1996

NYNEX CONTACT: Media Relations, (212) 395-0500

NYNEX Taking Reservations for Toll-Free 888 Numbers

NEW YORK, NY -- If you've ever wanted your own toll-free number, heres your chance to order it.

NYNEX today (2/12) will begin taking reservations for telephone numbers in the new 888 toll-free code as part of NYNEX ValuFlex® Toll-Free Service. Customers may reserve the new 888 numbers through their local NYNEX representatives, and will be able to begin using the new numbers on March 1, when the 888 code is activated nationally.

With NYNEX ValuFlex Toll-Free Service, business and residence customers can establish toll-free telephone numbers so callers can reach them at no charge. NYNEX handles the calls within a customers regional calling area, and can provide for nationwide toll-free calling through service arrangements with other communications companies.

Because of the popularity of toll-free 800 numbers and increasing demand, the 888 code was established nationally to expand the base of available numbers. Out of approximately 7.6 million available numbers in the 800 code, some 7 million already have been reserved or are in use.

The 888 code will make millions of additional toll-free numbers available, giving NYNEX business and residence customers a much wider selection from which to choose. The 888 numbers will work exactly the same as 800 numbers do today, and existing 800 numbers will not be affected by the introduction of the new code. The features and pricing that now apply to NYNEX 800 numbers will be the same as for NYNEX 888 numbers.

"The introduction of a new code enables NYNEX to offer its customers more choices in the extremely popular toll-free market," said Desiree Natelson, product manager for NYNEX ValuFlex service. Through ValuFlex, businesses can provide current and potential customers with a no-cost, fast and easy way to get in touch. And its value as a sales tool can be enhanced through the use of optional features that route calls by time and day and provide detailed information about calls.

NYNEX is a global communications and media company 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 the telecommunications, wireless communications, cable television, directory publishing and entertainment and information services.

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.

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