1986 - Era of home computer communications in New Jersey begins. Introduction of service enabling home-business computers that send and access data.

1987 - NJB receives approval from state Board of Public Utilities to provide CLASS Calling Services — a package of seven calling features, including three- way calling, call waiting and call forwarding.

July 1989 - James G. Cullen installed as president of NJB.

June 8, 1991 - 908 area code takes effect in central New Jersey.

February 1993 - Alfred C. Koeppe becomes the new NJB president.

January 1994 - After almost 70 years as New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, the name is changes to Bell Atlantic-New Jersey (BA-NJ).

February 10, 1994 - BA-NJ hosts "Conference on Diversity," featuring keynote address by General Colin L. Powell.

November 1995 - Len J. Lauer begins NJB presidency.

November 1997 - Mandatory use of two new area codes: 973 (northern) and 732 (central); New Jersey is now divided into five area codes.

August 15, 1997 - Bell Atlantic Corp. acquires Nynex, another AT&T "Baby Bell" spinoff, creating second largest telephone company in the U.S. after AT&T.

April 1998 - Appointment of William M. Freeman as BA-NJ president, the first African American to head the company.

July 1998 - Bell Atlantic and GTE Corp. announce they will merge to create one of the world's premier communications companies.

July 14, 1998 - BA-NJ offers phone bills in Braille.

August 11, 1998 - BA and the Communications Workers of America announce a tentative agreement on new two-year contracts, ending a two-day strike.

October 1998 - Bell Atlantic Chairman Ray Smith leaves — Ivan Seidenberg becomes chairman, effective December 31, 1998.

November 16, 1998 - BA-NJ files with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities commitment to promote competition in the state's local telephone market.