Bell Atlantic Mobile Continues Wireless Phone Loan Commitment to State Parks

TRENTON, NJ — For the fourth consecutive year, Bell Atlantic Mobile is teaming up with the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry by loaning wireless phones to park rangers.

The 27 phones, which are being used to increase communications capabilities of park rangers during the busy summer months, have been made available to 21 state parks throughout New Jersey. In addition to the wireless phone donation, Bell Atlantic Mobile provided free air time for each phone through MobileMinutes, the company's pre-paid calling package.

Because safety is a top priority, park rangers are using the phones for regular daily communication while in the field; to contact other rangers in the event of an emergency; and to assist visitors.

"Bell Atlantic Mobile's continued commitment has helped us keep park visitors safer and also makes it easier for our rangers to do their jobs more efficiently," said Gregory Marshall, director, NJ Division of Parks and Forestry. "Last year, the wireless phones especially came in handy when severe thunderstorms shut down phone systems at some locations. The phones were also valuable in remote areas where phones were not available."

In the southern region, the New Jersey parks that received phones and service from Bell Atlantic Mobile include:

• Bass River State Forest, New Gretna
• Belleplain State Forest, Woodbine
• D&R Canal State Park, Titusville
• Fort Mott, Pennsville
• Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park
• Lebanon State Park, New Lisbon
• Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove
• Washington Crossings State Park, Titusville
• Wharton State Forest, Hammonton

According to John Stratton, regional president of Bell Atlantic Mobile, "we're pleased that our wireless phone loan program is making New Jersey's parks safer for both rangers and visitors. We look forward to continuing our partnership by providing an instant communications solution in case of an emergency."

Bell Atlantic Mobile owns and operates the largest wireless network in the East, covering 112,000 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 5.7 million customers and 7,000 employees from Maine to Georgia and, through a separate subsidiary, in the Southwest. 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 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.

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