July 19, 1997


     STATEMENT OF FCC COMMISSIONER SUSAN NESS ON PROPOSED BELL
                  ATLANTIC/NYNEX MERGER CONDITIONS
                                  
                                  
     The Bell Atlantic/NYNEX commitments eliminate stumbling blocks that have impeded the
development of competition in the local phone market.  As a result, competitors will be able to
obtain the pricing and operational arrangements necessary to make competition work from Maine
to West Virginia.  

     With these enforceable promises, I expect to be able to approve the merger expeditiously.

     Merger mania is driven by the interests of corporate management and shareholders. The
FCC's responsibility, though, is to safeguard the interests of the American consumer.  Our
uncompromising commitment is to foster competition.  The conditions announced today further both
objectives.

                               --FCC --