Bell Atlantic Mobile and Motorola Provide Outreach to Victims of Domestic Violence

CRANSTON, RI — Bell Atlantic Mobile and Motorola today announced a statewide initiative to provide 100 wireless phones to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) enabling victims of domestic violence to instantly dial 9-1-1 and receive emergency police or medical assistance 24 hours a day.

The donation made at the Cranston Police training facility, is part of Bell Atlantic Mobile's ongoing corporate-wide effort in the fight against domestic violence, and in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The pre-programmed wireless phones will be distributed to local area police stations that will in turn provide them to at-risk victims of domestic abuse.

"For women who fear for their lives and the lives of their children, dialing 9-1-1 is often times their only link to safety," said Bob Stott, regional president of Bell Atlantic Mobile. "Many of us take for granted the ease with which we communicate, anytime, anywhere. For women involved in dangerous domestic situations, whose circumstances do not allow them to communicate, these phones provide them with greater safety and peace of mind."

Deb DeBare accepted the wireless phones on behalf of the RICADV. "Few of us can imagine what it is like to live each moment in fear as these women and children do," said DeBare. "Breaking away and staying away from an abusive relationship is a process, it doesn't happen overnight. These phones make it possible to start that process."

In comments today, Chief William A. McCombe, president of the Rhode Island Police Chief's Association said, "We are dedicated to using every resource possible to help victims and their families. A similar donation made by Bell Atlantic Mobile a few years ago was of great benefit to victims. We're pleased to get more phones to put safety in the palm of their hands."

The 100-phone donation, in conjunction with Motorola, is part of a 2,500-phone donation to domestic violence support organizations throughout Bell Atlantic Mobile's service area. Other initiatives made by Bell Atlantic Mobile in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month include a $25,000 donation to the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF) for its National Workplace Resource Center on Domestic Violence.

Since 1995, Bell Atlantic Mobile has focused its philanthropic efforts, under the "Wireless at Work…" community service program, assisting victims of domestic violence by utilizing the company's resources and technology in a variety of ways. These include its HopeLineâ program, which provides free voice mailboxes to victims residing in shelters, and donations of pre-programmed wireless 9-1-1 phones to police department and district attorneys' offices to distribute to women at risk.

Motorola is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. These include: software-enhanced wireless telephone, two-way radio, messaging and satellite communications products and systems, as well as networking and Internet-access products, for consumers, network operators, and commercial, government and industrial customers. Embedded semiconductor solutions for customers in the consumer, networking and computing, transportation, and wireless communications markets. Embedded electronic systems for automotive, communications, imaging, manufacturing systems, computer and consumer markets. Sales in 1998 were $29.4 billion. For additional information please visit http://www.motorola.com

Bell Atlantic Mobile owns and operates the largest wireless network in the East, covering 120,000 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 6.6 million customers and 8,000 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, 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.

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