Delaware Awards Second Year of School Electronics Contract to Bell Atlantic Network Integration and 3Com Corp.

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 19, 1997--In a continuing effort to bring computer network access to every public school classroom in the state, Delaware Governor Thomas R. Carper today announced his intention to extend a contract with 3Com Corp. (NASDAQ:COMS) and Bell Atlantic Network Integration (BANI), a subsidiary of Bell Atlantic Corp. (NYSE:BEL).

Speaking at the "Creating 21st Century Schools" symposium in Wilmington, Del., Carper announced that 3Com and BANI were selected by the Delaware Center for Education Technology (DCET) to continue providing a network infrastructure linking every public school in the state. When completed in the fall of 1998, the program will be the first of its kind in the nation.

"In the increasingly high-tech world of business, computer literacy is no longer a luxury -- it is a necessity," said Governor Carper. "I am pleased that we are well on our way toward my goal of providing connectivity and computers to every public school classroom in the state. I thank both 3Com and Bell Atlantic Network Integration for their expertise in bringing us ever-closer to that goal."

Last year, 3Com and BANI were selected by DCET to provide network infrastructure for "Phase 1" of the project -- wiring every public high school and district office in the state. The ongoing networking effort will include all 172 of Delaware's public schools, as well as all 19 district offices.

BANI will provide overall project management, installation, and network maintenance involved in wiring Delaware's schools. 3Com will provide the networking equipment necessary to give students and faculty data and video exchange capabilities, including Internet access. The network will also allow more efficient administrative applications such as grade calculation, attendance recording and financial accounting.

"Networks help to level the economic playing field between school districts by providing equal access to information," said 3Com CEO Eric Benhamou, who was recently appointed to the High Performance Computer & Communication Information Technology, and Next Generation Internet Advisory Council by President Clinton. "The Delaware network will serve as a model to the rest of the nation as we move forward in networking schools."

DCET selected 3Com after challenging several networking industry leaders to install a pilot network in a test high school. "After reviewing several model networks, 3Com emerged as the ideal partner for this large-scale educational program," said Paul Harjung, DCET executive director. "Not only did 3Com have the appropriate technology and products, but the company is renowned in the industry for its commitment to bringing networking technology to many different types of users."

3Com Provides Teacher Training

3Com's partnership with DCET includes a teacher training program entitled "Integrating Telecommunications into K-12 Curriculum." The program gives teachers not only the telecommunications skills they need to use the Internet in their classrooms, but also helps them understand how telecommunications can fundamentally change the way they teach and students learn.

"The revolutionary implications of networking K-12 schools can only be realized if teachers understand how to use networks effectively in their classrooms," said Benhamou. "This comprehensive program ensures that teachers can leverage the technology to its full potential."

About Bell Atlantic

Bell Atlantic Network Integration Inc. (BANI), a subsidiary of Bell Atlantic Corp., is a full-service voice, data and video network integrator dedicated to providing customers with a single point of contact for all communication network needs. BANI's cutting-edge integration services cover the full "Network Lifecycle" from planning and implementation to management of enterprise-wide networks. Founded in 1993, BANI is headquartered in Frazer, Pa., and has 32 offices across the United States. To learn more about BANI visit World Wide Web site (http://www.bani.com).

Bell Atlantic Corp. is at the forefront of the new communications, entertainment and information industry. In the Mid-Atlantic region, the company is the premier provider of local telecommunications and advanced services. Globally, it is one of the largest investors in the high-growth wireless communications marketplace.

About 3Com

3Com Corp. has helped more than 45 million people gain access to critical information through high speed networks. Designed to serve large enterprises, small offices and homes, 3Com products provide a scaleable architecture to meet the immediate and long term connectivity needs of today's users. With research and development on three continents, 3Com is one of the data networking industry's largest and fastest growing companies. The company's innovative marketing, sales and support simplify communication, optimize network reliability and protect customer investments. For further information, visit 3Com's World Wide Web site at http://www.3Com.com or call 1-800-Net-3Com. -0-

Note to Editors: 3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com Corp.

CONTACT: 3Com Corporate Communications 

Peter Ruzicka, 408/764-5853

[e-mail]

or

BANI

Kate Burns, 610/407-2036

[e-mail]

or

Delaware Center for Education Technology

Paul Harjung, 302/633-5182