THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Saturday, December 9, 1995             TAG: 9512090291
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: FINAL 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   24 lines

SOME EASTERN SHORE PHONE RATES TO BE CUT

Bell Atlantic-Virginia said the State Corporation Commission this week approved new rate plans that will reduce long-distance phone bills for many Eastern Shore residents.

The phone company said phone calls between Belle Haven and Parksley, and between Onancock and the communities of Eastville, Tangier Island and Temperanceville, will no longer be long-distance. That will reduce the number of digits that need to be dialed from 11 to seven.

Customers on the routes will have three billing options, one of which would increase their basic monthly phone rates. But Bell Atlantic said average Eastern Shore residential customers affected by the changes should still enjoy a net savings because of the reduction in long-distance charges. by CNB