TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Bell Atlantic to Cut 3,450 Jobs: The regional phone company said it will cut about 3,450 positions by the end of the year as part of a downsizing that began in 1984. Bell Atlantic has been negotiating with the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers over a new contract to replace the one expiring Aug. 8. The company said procedures for eliminating the jobs will be worked out with the unions. Charlie Crist, vice president for human resources, said the cuts are needed for competitive reasons. Philadelphia-based Bell Atlantic employs about 75,700 people.