RNS Number:9776D
Bell Atlantic Corp
18 January 2000


CONTACT:                                John Killian (212) 395-1152
                                        Bell Atlantic

                                        George Lieb (972) 507-2462 
                                        GTE

                  GENERAL MOTORS SELECTS BELL ATLANTIC AND GTE
            TO PROVIDE NATIONAL WIRELESS NETWORK TO SUPPORT ENHANCED
                      ONSTAR MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Personal Calling Capability and Intenet-based Information added to OnStar's
Suite of Safety, Security and Information Services

TROY, Mich., January 18, 2000 - General Motors has selected Bell Atlantic Mobile
and GTE Wireless to establish a nationwide wireless network to support the
expansion of OnStar's portfolio of market-leading, in-vehicle services to
include personal calling and access to Internet-based information.

"Motor vehicles are more than a method of transport, they are becoming mobile
communications platforms that can keep motorists safe, informed and productive
in previously unimaginable ways," said Jack Smith, CEO of General Motors. "Bell
Atlantic Mobile and GTE Wireless can provide the national network needed to
create the foundation to build on OnStar's unique safety and security services
and open up significant new growth markets for mobile communications."

Later this year, OnStar subscribers will be able to place personal calls and
access customized Internet-based services such as e-mail, news and weather,
sports and stock quotes through OnStar's voice-activated, hands-free system
integrated into the vehicle.

OnStar will continue to offer its core safety, security and information
services over this wireless network. OnStar estimates that over four million
vehicles nationwide will contain its vehicle communications services within
the next three years.

'We are ready to deliver the leading edge, wireless network infrastructure
needed to rapidly bring to market OnStar's new breed of safety-minded,
'always-on,' easy-to-use communications services," said Ivan Seidenberg, CEO of
Bell Atlantic. "Bell Atlantic's rapidly expanding wireless footprint and
unparalleled network engineering capabilities will help OnStar subscribers enjoy
the convenience and security of highly dependable, quality mobile communications
services in their own vehicles - the same benefits that millions of Bell
Atlantic Mobile customers enjoy right now."

"We are delighted that this wireless platform will help provide nationwide
voice-activated calls for OnStar," said Chuck Lee, CEO of GTE. "It is exciting
to see GTE contributing to making travel for OnStar subscribers even easier and
safer, and more productive."

OnStar uses Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology and wireless
communication to link the driver and vehicle to the 24-hour OnStar Center, where
Advisors provide real-time, personalized help. Current OnStar services include
automatic air bag notification, stolen vehicle tracking, emergency services,
remote door unlock, roadside assistance with location, remote diagnostics, route
support, convenience services and concierge services. For more information on
OnStar, visit www.onstar.com.

Bell Atlantic Mobile owns and operates the largest wireless network in the
East and systems in the Southwest, covering 216,000 square miles, and the
largest chain of retail outlets devoted exclusively to wireless voice, data and
paging. Based in Bedminster, NJ, Bell Atlantic Mobile has 7.3 million customers
and 8,800 employees from Maine to Georgia and in parts of Arizona, New Mexico
and west Texas. Through its "Wireless at Work..." community service program, the
company uses its technology to help individuals and communities improve security
and emergency communications. Bell Atlantic Mobile's parent, Bell Atlantic
Corporation (NYSE:BEL) is one of the world's largest wireless communications
companies, with domestic operations in 25 states and international investments
in Mexico, Europe and the Pacific Rim.
For more information on Bell Atlantic Mobile visit: www.bam.com;
on global operations visit: www.bellatlantic.com/worldwide. 

About GTE 

With 1998 revenues of more than $25 billion, GTE is a leading telecommunications
provider with one of the industry's broadest arrays of products and services. In
the United States, GTE provides local service in 28 states and wireless service
in 18 states, as well as nationwide long-distance, directory, and
internetworking services ranging from dial-up Internet access for residential
and small-business consumers to Web-based applications for Fortune 500
companies. Outside the United States, the company serves customers on five
continents. Additional information about GTE can be obtained at
http://www.gte.com.

END

MSCUWASRRARAAAR
Banco Lat.8%Pfd (LSE:BAN)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2024 to Jul 2024 Click Here for more Banco Lat.8%Pfd Charts.
Banco Lat.8%Pfd (LSE:BAN)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jul 2023 to Jul 2024 Click Here for more Banco Lat.8%Pfd Charts.