Lucent Technologies Signs Contract With Bell Atlantic to Upgrade Operations Network.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 15, 1997--Lucent Technologies today announced that it has signed a contract with NYNEX, recently merged with Bell Atlantic, valued at more than $35 million, for software systems to upgrade the operations of the company's network.

These systems will provide enhanced network surveillance and traffic control, as well as testing and service assurance enhancements, as part of Bell Atlantic's ongoing commitment to utilize technology to maintain its high grade of service. The systems will also support the implementation of Local Number Portability (LNP). LNP enables customers to keep their existing telephone number even if they choose to switch their phone company.

"We're delighted to provide Bell Atlantic with comprehensive technical solutions to enhance its network," said Carole Spurrier, regional vice president of Lucent Technologies. "These upgrades will allow Bell Atlantic to effectively manage its network in the competitive LNP environment, as well as improve service."

The comprehensive set of software systems purchased under this agreement will upgrade Bell Atlantic's overall network management capabilities which is particularly critical when deploying LNP. In addition to Lucent's advanced testing and surveillance software, Bell Atlantic purchased Lucent's flagship software solution, NetMinder(R) Network Traffic Performance Software, which has the capability to handle every aspect of traffic data collection, monitoring and control across diverse networks and technologies.

"With the deployment of LNP in networks like Bell Atlantic, every call will tap into the Signaling System 7 signaling network," explained Doug Sabella, vice president for Lucent Communications Software. "That's why it's critical for Bell Atlantic to install this suite of high-powered network management, surveillance and testing software in order to maintain service quality and reliability."

Lucent Technologies (LU) designs, builds and delivers a wide range of public and private networks, communications systems and software, consumer and business telephone systems and microelectronics components. Bell Laboratories is the research and development arm for the company. For more information about Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., visit our website at http://www.lucent.com .

The new Bell Atlantic -- formed through the merger of Bell Atlantic and NYNEX -- is at the forefront of the new communications, information and entertainment industry. With 40 million telephone access lines and 5.5 million wireless customers worldwide, Bell Atlantic companies are premier providers of advanced wireline voice and data services, market leaders in wireless services and the world's largest publishers of directory information. Bell Atlantic companies are also among the world's largest investors in high-growth global communications markets, with operations and investments in 21 countries. -0-

Bell Atlantic Software Solution

NYNEX, recently merged with Bell Atlantic, purchased a comprehensive software solution from Lucent Technologies in order to prepare its network for the introduction of Local Number Portability. Below are descriptions of the various software modules included in the overall solution.

Total Network Management System effectively centralizes the surveillance and control of telecommunications networks. TNM's alerting capabilities, network status displays and remote access of network elements not only identifies trouble quickly, but also assesses network and customer impact and works toward a resolution.

NetMinder(R) Network Traffic Performance Software is the network traffic management solution of choice for nearly every U.S. telecommunications service provider. NetMinder is a window into the network. NetMinder's Network Traffic Management module provides traffic surveillance and control capabilities essential to operating today's networks. It monitors the real-time traffic loads and health of circuit groups and switches in a multi-vendor environment. It also can partition networks into subnetworks, allowing the network management team to access and display specific sections of the network. NetMinder's Network Trouble Patterning module provides the network monitoring and analysis tools necessary for maximizing successful call completion, particularly as new complexities like Local Number Portability are introduced into networks.

Mechanized Loop Testing is a single, comprehensive test system, capable of analyzing both metallic and digital loop problems.

Switched Access Remote Test System provides automated testing and trouble isolation on special service telephone circuits. Its flow through testing capabilities reduce both the frequency and duration of circuit outages.

Loop Management Operation System (LMOS) maintains the customer line data base. LMOS automatically tests the circuits and determines which technicians are available when repairs are necessary.

CONTACT: Lucent Technologies

Dick Birkmeyer, 410/584-6005

or

Bell Atlantic

Sharon Beadle, 212/395-1802