May 29, 1996

NYNEX CONTACT: Media Relations, (212) 395-0500. Susan Damato Tomsky of Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile, 908-526-2399, or Bruce Blower of Suffolk County Office of Handicapped Services, 516-853-3740.

Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile Launches 'Cellular Accessibility' Program To Enhance Independence For People With Disabilities

ORANGEBURG, N.Y. -- Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile today announced a new program designed to make cellular telephone service more affordable for people with disabilities in the New York metropolitan area. Called "Cellular Accessibility," the new program offers low rates, discounted equipment, and custom installations to people with disabilities.

The program is being introduced in cooperation with the Suffolk County Office of Handicapped Services based in Hauppauge, NY. It's another of the company's "Wireless at Work..." initiatives designed to bring the benefits of wireless technology to those most in need in the New York/New Jersey metro area.

"Cellular Accessibility meets a real need in the community and is available to people with a broad range of disabilities," said Rick Conrad president of Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile's NY/NJ metro region. "This program will make it easier for people with disabilities to join the thousands of new customers who each day sign up for the safety, security, and convenience of wireless communications. While a flat tire may be an inconvenience for the average motorist, such a situation can be life-threatening for a person with a disability."

Bruce Blower, director of the Suffolk County Office of Handicapped Services, said the Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile Cellular Accessibility program will mean greater independence for people with disabilities and increased peace of mind for their families.

"Cellular telephones make it possible for individuals to stay in touch with their families and coworkers and to summon assistance immediately when necessary," he said. "A disabled person is never alone when he or she has a cellular phone in hand, and this feeling of security makes it easier for them to achieve and maintain their independence."

Conrad said the program is designed to meet the communications needs of a wide range of customers -- from those on fixed incomes who need a cellular phone only in the case of emergencies to business people who turn their vehicles into mobile offices. Monthly service plan rates begin as low as $14.99 for the company's popular TalkAlong(TM) personal communications service.

Designed as an enhancement to the company's existing range of service plans, the Cellular Accessibility program provides qualified individuals with a 25 percent discount off a cellular phone (a savings up to $30), waiver of the $25 activation fee, six months free voice mail service, and custom installations.

In addition, all Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile employees will receive special sensitivity training to help them better assist individuals with disabilities select the proper equipment and make the most of wireless services.

Conrad said individuals with disabilities ate invited to visit any one of the area's 28 Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile Communications Stores or to call 1-800-255-BELL to make an appointment for a salesperson to make a house call to assess their special requirements.

"Our trained salespeople and installation technicians will work one-on-one with Cellular Accessibility customers to come up with just the right installation to meet their needs," Conrad said. "This includes special phone installations in custom vans and wheelchair mounts as well."

Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile, which already offers Cellular Accessibility programs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, reached out to a number of groups representing people with disabilities before introducing the program in the New York/New Jersey metro area. In addition to the Suffolk County Office of Handicapped Services, Conrad credited the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association with contributing their ideas to the program.

Blower applauded Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile's efforts to reach out to the disabled community before developing its local Cellular Accessibility program.

"Too often, companies make 'boardroom' decisions regarding persons with disabilities without ever consulting the group of people intended to benefit from their products and services," he said. "We commend Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile for their efforts of 'inclusion' which is an integral part of the mission of all groups that work with the disabled community."

With more than 3.6 million customers, Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile is the largest wireless service provider on the East Coast. Headquartered 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.

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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