May 6, 1998


           STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD ON
          BELL ATLANTIC'S ANNOUNCED ACTION ON CRAMMING


          I applaud Bell Atlantic's speedy and forceful response
to my call to the industry to solve the
growing problem of cramming.  The measures announced today set an
example for the rest of
the industry as to how to respond to the consumer fraud being
perpetuated by a small number
of bad actors. Bell Atlantic's action proves that much can be
done to protect consumers from
this problem.  I hope it spurs other companies to take prompt
action of their own.