May 22, 1996

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

Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile Joins With State Parks To Make Summer Safer For Park Visitors

JERSEY CITY, N.J. -- This summer, Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have teamed up to make sure that visitors to state parks are as safe as possible, thanks to the benefits of wireless communications.

"It's no secret that the beginning of summer means increased outdoor events and picnics at the State's parks," said Greg Marshall, director of DEP's Division of Parks and Forestry. "With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, area park rangers are preparing for the increase in traffic and activities with safety as their top priority."

This year, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, DEP's Parks and Forestry Division will receive 24 cellular phones on loan from Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile as part of the company's "Safe Parks" program. Monthly access charges will be waived and $50 in airtime credit will be donated per phone. Park rangers will use the phones for daily communications and to assist visitors, especially in the event of an emergency.

Central and northern New Jersey parks receiving phones and service from Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile include: Round Valley, Spruce Run, High Point Park, Stokes State Forest, Allaire Park, and Liberty State Park. The company's "Safe Parks" program also is being extended to state parks in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

"We're always looking for ways to improve the safety and communications capabilities in the parks," Marshall said. "We're excited to be working with Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile again this summer to make sure that all of our visitors have a safe and positive experience.

"Last summer the company provided phones to park rangers in the southern part of the state and they were incredibly helpful. There were several times when the phones made a significant difference in our ability to respond quickly and effectively. We're very happy that Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile has extended the program to include parks throughout the state."

Rick Conrad, president, Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile NY-NJ Metro Region, said wireless communications are increasing safety and security throughout New Jersey.

"We know that safety is the number one concern of the many rangers who patrol and maintain these parks," he said. "We developed this program to make their jobs a little easier.

"This local 'Safe Parks' effort is part of our national 'Wireless at Work ...' community service program introduced earlier this year to bring the benefits of wireless technology to those most in need in the communities we serve."

Other local "Wireless at Work ..." initiatives include Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile HopeLine(SM) cellular voice mail service, law enforcement phone donations and local emergency services assistance.

With more than 3.6 million customers, Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile is the largest wireless service provider on the East Coast. Based in Bedminster, NJ, the company offers a full range of wireless voice, data, and paging services to the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, Southeast and through a separate subsidiary, in the Southwest. The company was formed in July 1995 through the combination of Bell Atlantic Mobile's and NYNEX Mobile's cellular operations.

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.

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