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{{Short description|Former American telecommunications company}}
{{For|the song by Billy Woods|Aethiopes (album){{!}}''Aethiopes'' (album)}}
{{Infobox company
| name = NYNEX Corporation
| logo = [[Image:Nynex.svg|200px|NYNEX (logo)]]
| successor = Bell Atlantic (Now Verizon)
| foundation = {{start date and age|1984|1|1}}
| defunct = {{end date and age|1997|8|14}}
| location = [[New York City]], United States
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{NYSE was|NYN}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.verizon.com/about/news/press-releases/bell-atlantic-and-nynex-agree-merger-equals |title=Bell Atlantic and NYNEX Agree to Merger of Equals |website=verizon.com |date=1996-04-22}}</ref>
| industry = [[Telecommunication]]
| key_people = 
| predecessor = [[American Telephone and Telegraph Company]]
| products = [[Plain old telephone service|Local telephone service]]<br>[[Mobile phone|Cellular telephone service]]
| num_employees = <!--peak number of employees-->
| subsid = [[Verizon New England]]<br>[[Verizon New York]]
| fate = Merged with [[Bell Atlantic]]<br>(Now [[Verizon]])
}}
[[File:1095 AofA W42 jeh.jpg|thumb|Corporate HQ, 1095 [[Avenue of the Americas]]]]
'''NYNEX Corporation''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|n|aɪ|n|ɛ|k|s}}) was an American [[telephone company]] that served five states of [[New England]] ([[Maine]], [[Massachusetts]], [[New Hampshire]], [[Rhode Island]] and [[Vermont]]) as well as most of the state of [[New York (state)|New York]] from January 1, 1984 to August 14, 1997.

==History==
Formed on January 1, 1984 as the result of the [[breakup of the Bell System]], NYNEX was a [[Regional Bell Operating Company]] which was made up of former [[subsidiaries]] of [[AT&T Corporation|AT&T]], these being [[New York Telephone]] and [[Verizon New England|New England Telephone]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kobrick |first=Jake |title=The Breakup of "Ma Bell" {{!}} Federal Judicial Center |url=https://www.fjc.gov/history/spotlight-judicial-history/breakup-ma-bell |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=www.fjc.gov}}</ref> The name NYNEX was an acronym for '''New York New England Exchange'''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ny-supreme-court-appellate-division/1208920.html|title=CASSATA v. NEW YORK NEW ENGLAND EXCHANGE|website=caselaw.findlaw.com|date=21 May 1998|accessdate=4 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=1 March 2015 |title=Verizon Corporate Offices – Lower Manhattan, NY – 2012 |url=https://themuseumoftelephony.wordpress.com/2015/03/01/verizon-corporate-offices-lower-manhattan-ny-2012/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011204823/https://themuseumoftelephony.wordpress.com/2015/03/01/verizon-corporate-offices-lower-manhattan-ny-2012/ |archive-date=October 11, 2019 |accessdate=4 November 2020 |website=themuseumoftelephony.wordpress.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=LI architecture icon dies|url=https://libn.com/2018/01/22/li-architecture-icon-dies/|publisher=libn.com|accessdate=4 November 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123190700/https://libn.com/2018/01/22/li-architecture-icon-dies/|archivedate=23 January 2018|date=22 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/can-hear-now-leadership-lessons-verizons-ivan-seidenberg/|title=Can You Hear Him Now? Leadership Lessons from Verizon’s Ivan Seidenberg|website=knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu|date=15 July 2009|accessdate=4 November 2020}}</ref> Delbert C. Staley, chairman of the New York Telephone Company, was named as the new company's first chairman before NYNEX officially went into business.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lueck |first=Thomas A. |date=1983-07-20 |title=BUSINESS PEOPLE; Nynex Chairman-to-Be Introduces Phone Unit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/07/20/business/business-people-nynex-chairman-to-be-introduces-phone-unit.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> He was replaced by [[William C. Ferguson]], president and chief operating officer of the New York Telephone Company, when the new company launched.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arenson |first=Karen W. |date=1983-10-27 |title=AT NYNEX, X IS THE UNKNOWN |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/27/business/at-nynex-x-is-the-unknown.html |access-date=2024-07-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 

In April 1986, NYNEX purchased all 84 [[IBM Product Center|IBM Product Centers]] and relaunched them, along with its 19 Datago stores, as NYNEX Business Centers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1986-04-23 |title=I.B.M.'S 84 RETAIL STORES ARE ACQUIRED BY NYNEX |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/23/business/ibm-s-84-retail-stores-are-acquired-by-nynex.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Richter |first=Paul |date=1986-04-23 |title=Nynex to Buy 81 IBM Product Centers |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-04-23-fi-1194-story.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

In June 1988, NYNEX acquired AGS Computers Inc., a professional services and software provider. AGS was then run as an independent subsidiary.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sims |first=Calvin |date=1988-06-11 |title=COMPANY NEWS; Nynex Reaches Deal For AGS Computers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/11/business/company-news-nynex-reaches-deal-for-ags-computers.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> NYNEX expanded into commercial real estate with its NYNEX Properties Company subsidiary. By July 1988, NYNEX owned buildings in [[Westchester County, New York|Westchester County]] and [[Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey]], with plans to lease space to outside tenants.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kriss |first=Gary |date=1988-07-24 |title=IN THE REGION: Westchester and Connecticut; Nynex Plunges Into the Real Estate Game |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/24/realestate/in-the-region-westchester-and-connecticut-nynex-plunges-into-the.html |access-date=2024-07-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>  

In August 1989, 200,000 telephone workers in 20 states went on strike against NYNEX, Pacific Telesis, Bell Atlantic, and Ameritech.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McFadden |first=Robert D. |date=1989-08-14 |title=39,500 More Telephone Workers Strike |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/14/us/39500-more-telephone-workers-strike.html |access-date=2024-07-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> While most of the walkouts were eventually settled, NYNEX did not agree to a new contract until November.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Prial |first=Frank J. |date=1989-11-22 |title=Pact Reached With Nynex Mediator Says |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/22/nyregion/pact-reached-with-nynex-mediator-says.html |access-date=2024-07-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> During the 100-day strike, workers were accused of vandalism, one picketer died, and landline installations were delayed for months.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Prial |first=Frank J. |date=1989-11-14 |title=Nynex Reaches Tentative Pact With 60,000 Striking Workers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/14/nyregion/nynex-reaches-tentative-pact-with-60000-striking-workers.html |access-date=2024-07-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 

In February 1990, the FCC ordered the company to pay $1.4 million in fines and refund $35 million to consumers for an illegal scheme to funnel profits to NYNEX Material Enterprises by overcharging regulated companies for basic supplies and awarding bloated contracts to vendors who attended company parties. NYNEX dismissed two executives and disciplined several other employees of the subsidiary in the summer of 1988.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bradsher |first=Keith |date=1990-07-18 |title=Nynex Denies 1988 Actions Raised Rates |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/18/business/nynex-denies-1988-actions-raised-rates.html |access-date=2024-07-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bradsher |first=Keith |date=1990-07-21 |title=At Nynex, Dial N for Nightmare |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/21/business/at-nynex-dial-n-for-nightmare.html |access-date=2024-07-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sims |first=Calvin |date=1988-07-20 |title=Employees Disciplined At Nynex |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/20/business/employees-disciplined-at-nynex.html |access-date=2024-07-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

By 1993, NYNEX had decided to leave the information services business, selling AGS to [[Keane (company)|Keane]] in November. The sale included AGS Information Services, Atkinson Tremblay & Associates Inc., AGS Federal Systems Inc. and AGS Management Systems Inc., but not Disc Inc. and Stockholder Systems Inc., or NYNEX DPI. During this time, the company also sold the London-based BIS Group and Systems Strategies Inc.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levin |first=Doron P. |date=1993-11-05 |title=COMPANY NEWS; More Information Units Will Be Sold by Nynex |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/05/business/company-news-more-information-units-will-be-sold-by-nynex.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

In 1994, NYNEX pledged to cut 16,800 employees, or 22 percent of its payroll, by the end of 1996. It planned to work with the  [[Communications Workers of America]] and the [[International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers]] to find solutions that avoided sweeping layoffs. This continued a previous trend, where the company cut 13,000 jobs over the previous four years through voluntary departures.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramirez |first=Anthony |date=1994-01-25 |title=COMPANY REPORTS; Nynex to Cut 22% of Work Force |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/25/business/company-reports-nynex-to-cut-22-of-work-force.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In February 1994, vice chairman [[Ivan Seidenberg]] was named as the company's new president and chief operating officer.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gargan |first=Edward A. |date=1994-02-23 |title=COMPANY NEWS; A Vice Chairman at Nynex Is Appointed as President |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/23/business/company-news-a-vice-chairman-at-nynex-is-appointed-as-president.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In November, he was named chairman and chief executive.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Andrews |first=Edmund L. |date=1994-11-18 |title=COMPANY NEWS; A Ladder-Climber Reaches The Highest Rung at Nynex |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/11/18/business/company-news-a-ladder-climber-reaches-the-highest-rung-at-nynex.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> NYNEX DPI was sold to IBM in September 1994.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=1994-09-13 |title=COMPANY NEWS; I.B.M. BUYS A SOFTWARE UNIT FROM NYNEX |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/13/business/company-news-ibm-buys-a-software-unit-from-nynex.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Amidst a flurry of legal challenges brought by various regional Bell companies against regulators that year, it was ruled that NYNEX would be permitted to offer television programming over its local networks.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Andrews |first=Edmund L. |date=1994-12-10 |title=Judge Clears Nynex Plan For Cable |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/10/business/judge-clears-nynex-plan-for-cable.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 

In May 1995, New York State agreed to deregulate NYNEX's pricing structure in order to allow the company to offer more competitive pricing. As part of the deal, NYNEX agreed to cut $375 million in its residential and business phone rates in New York by 1999.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Landler |first=Mark |date=1995-04-03 |title=INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY; The Man Who Would Save NY for NYNEX |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/03/business/information-technology-the-man-who-would-save-ny-for-nynex.html |access-date=2024-07-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 

===International assets===
Looking to expand into international markets by the 1990s, NYNEX set up operations in Brussels, Gibraltar, Philippines, and Britain.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cuff |first=Daniel F. |date=1990-10-02 |title=BUSINESS PEOPLE; Nynex Appoints Head For Its Brussels Unit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/02/business/business-people-nynex-appoints-head-for-its-brussels-unit.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In March 1993, NYNEX Cablecomms of Britain purchased Pactel Cable U.K. Ltd from [[Pacific Telesis]].<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=1993-03-23 |title=COMPANY NEWS; NYNEX UNIT BUYS BRITISH CABLE COMPANIES FROM PACTEL |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/03/23/business/company-news-nynex-unit-buys-british-cable-companies-from-pactel.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 

NYNEX also operated [[cable television]] and telephone services in the United Kingdom with offices in [[Waterlooville]] ([[Hampshire]]), [[Baguley]] ([[Manchester]]), [[Shoreham-by-Sea]] ([[West Sussex]]), [[Leatherhead]] ([[Surrey]]) and [[Antrim, County Antrim|Antrim]] ([[Northern Ireland]]).{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

NYNEX Cablecomms announced its [[initial public offering]] in June 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1995-06-09 |title=NYNEX CableComms prices initial public offering |url=https://www.verizon.com/about/news/press-releases/nynex-cablecomms-prices-initial-public-offering |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=www.verizon.com |language=en}}</ref> In 1996, NYNEX's UK assets were merged with the subsidiary of [[Cable & Wireless plc|Cable & Wireless]], [[Mercury Communications]], as well as cable operators [[Vidéotron]] and Bell Cablemedia, and the new business was subsequently renamed Cable & Wireless Communications.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cauley |first1=Leslie |last2=Calian |first2=Sara |date=23 October 1996 |title=Cable & Wireless Plans Merger With Nynex, Bell Canada Units |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB845987368577989000 |accessdate=8 December 2019 |publisher=www.wsj.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=27 March 1997 |title=Form 10-K405 Nynex Corp |url=https://sec.report/Document/0000950146-97-000433/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011065418/https://sec.report/Document/0000950146-97-000433/ |archive-date=11 October 2021 |accessdate=3 March 2021 |website=sec.report}}</ref>

Cable & Wireless’ cable assets were sold to [[NTL Incorporated|NTL]] in July 1999.<ref>{{cite web |last=Staff |first=MediaTel |date=26 July 1999 |title=NTL Spends £8.2bn On Cable & Wireless Communications |url=https://mediatel.co.uk/news/1999/07/26/ntl-spends-l8-2bn-on-cable-wireless-communications |accessdate=4 November 2020 |publisher=mediatel.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bannister |first=Nicholas |date=27 July 1999 |title=NTL buys CWC for £8.17bn |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/1999/jul/27/1 |accessdate=4 November 2020 |publisher=theguardian.com}}</ref> The acquisition was completed in May 2000.<ref>{{cite web |date=17 May 2000 |title=Cable & Wireless PLC (CW.) |url=https://www.investegate.co.uk/article.aspx?id=200005171248587492K |accessdate=4 November 2020 |website=investegate.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=23 March 2000 |title=CWC/NTL: Competition Commission clears merger |url=https://www.cms-lawnow.com/ealerts/2000/03/cwcntl-competition-commission-clears-merger |accessdate=4 November 2020 |website=cms-lawnow.com}}</ref> NTL then merged with [[Telewest]] in March 2006 to form [[Virgin Media#NTL:Telewest|NTL:Telewest]], and was later rebranded on February 8, 2007 as [[Virgin Media]].<ref>{{cite web |date=4 April 2006 |title=NTL Inc (NTL) |url=https://investegate.co.uk/ntl-inc--ntl-/rns/offer-by-ntl/200604040701129183A/ |accessdate=4 November 2020 |website=investegate.co.uk |archive-date=6 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106184130/https://investegate.co.uk/ntl-inc--ntl-/rns/offer-by-ntl/200604040701129183A/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sweney |first=Mark |date=2 February 2007 |title=NTL pushes Virgin Media rebrand |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/feb/02/citynews.advertising |accessdate=4 November 2020 |publisher=theguardian.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Banham |first=Mark |date=8 November 2006 |title=NTL Telewest and Virgin Mobile combine as Virgin Media |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/ntl-telewest-virgin-mobile-combine-virgin-media/603340 |accessdate=4 November 2020 |publisher=campaignlive.co.uk}}</ref>

===Merger with Bell Atlantic===

In April 1996, after two years of negotiations, NYNEX and [[Bell Atlantic]] announced its intentions to merge.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Landler |first=Mark |date=1996-04-22 |title=THE TELEPHONE COLOSSUS: THE NEGOTIATIONS;NYNEX AND BELL ATLANTIC REACH ACCORD ON MERGER; LINKS 36 MILLION CUSTOMERS |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/22/business/telephone-colossus-negotiations-nynex-bell-atlantic-reach-accord-merger-links-36.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Under the terms of the deal, Raymond W. Smith would remain chairman and chief executive officer of Bell Atlantic and Seidenberg would serve as vice chairman, president, and chief operating officer.  After one year, Seidenberg would become chief executive officer of the new company, and chairman upon Smith's retirement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1996-04-22 |title=Bell Atlantic and NYNEX Agree to Merger of Equals |url=https://www.verizon.com/about/news/press-releases/bell-atlantic-and-nynex-agree-merger-equals |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=www.verizon.com |language=en}}</ref> In an effort to avoid a Congressional vote on the merger, the transaction was turned into an acquisition of NYNEX by Bell Atlantic in June.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Landler |first=Mark |date=1996-06-27 |title=Now, Bell Atlantic Plans to Buy Nynex, Not Merge With It |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/27/business/now-bell-atlantic-plans-to-buy-nynex-not-merge-with-it.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 

The final merger took place on August 14, 1997, in what was at the time the second-largest merger in corporate history in America.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mills|first=Mike|url=http://tech.mit.edu/V116/N20/merger.20w.html|title=Bell Atlantic and Nynex Accept $27 Billion Merger; New Telco Rivals AT&T|website=tech.mit.edu|date=23 April 1996|accessdate=15 April 2012|archive-date=31 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531063759/http://tech.mit.edu/V116/N20/merger.20w.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=DIAL "M" FOR MERGER|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/business/april96/the_bells_4-22.html|publisher=www.wsj.com|accessdate=4 November 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104172453/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/business/april96/the_bells_4-22.html|archivedate=4 January 2012|date=22 April 1996|url-status=dead}}</ref> Although the surviving company was Bell Atlantic, the merged company moved from the headquarters of Bell Atlantic in [[Philadelphia]] to the headquarters of NYNEX in [[New York City]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Adelman|first=Jacob|url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/business/real_estate/commercial/verizon-comcast-bell-atlantic-tower-three-logan-brandywine.html|title=Verizon fades from forerunner's namesake Philly tower, as rival Comcast's presence grows|website=inquirer.com|date=18 April 2017|accessdate=4 November 2020}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite news|last=Landler|first=Mark|title=Nynex Is Gone, But Its Name Has Yet to Go|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/08/business/nynex-is-gone-but-its-name-has-yet-to-go.html|newspaper=nytimes.com|date=8 September 1997|accessdate=21 June 2021}}</ref> In the time leading up to, and immediately after the merger, there was reported to be a mass exodus of top NYNEX executives as Bell Atlantic took more control.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Landler |first=Mark |date=1997-08-15 |title=Bell Atlantic and Nynex: Match Made in . . . Where? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/15/business/bell-atlantic-and-nynex-match-made-in-where.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Landler |first=Mark |date=1997-08-06 |title=Another Top Nynex Executive Is Reported Quitting |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/06/business/another-top-nynex-executive-is-reported-quitting.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Landler |first=Mark |date=1997-02-11 |title=Nynex Official, Facing Reduced Duties in a Merger, Quits |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/11/nyregion/nynex-official-facing-reduced-duties-in-a-merger-quits.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>  

In September, the new Bell Atlantic rolled out a marketing campaign to inform existing NYNEX customers about the change in the company's name.<ref name=":1" /> In April 2000, Bell Atlantic announced it would acquire [[GTE]] and form Verizon Communications; the deal closed on June 30.<ref>{{cite web |last=Schiesel |first=Seth |date=4 April 2000 |title=Bell Atlantic and GTE Pick Post-Merger Name |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/04/business/bell-atlantic-and-gte-pick-post-merger-name.html |accessdate=4 November 2020 |publisher=nytimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Schiesel |first=Stephen Labaton |date=17 June 2000 |title=F.C.C. Approves Bell Atlantic-GTE Merger, Creating No. 1 Phone Company |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/17/business/fcc-approves-bell-atlantic-gte-merger-creating-no-1-phone-company.html |accessdate=4 November 2020 |publisher=nytimes.com}}</ref>

==Criticism==
Throughout its existence, NYNEX struggled with service quality. The dense and shifting population of New York City, high demand for fax and internet lines, hard-to-reach physical environments in places like Brooklyn, and frequent theft of copper wires were all identified as factors attributing to service issues. However, NYNEX was also guilty of letting its network deteriorate in some areas and cutting thousands of jobs that left the company unable to meet rising demand. Of the seven regional Bell companies, the FCC ranked it last in customer satisfaction in 1993.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Landler |first=Mark |date=1996-11-11 |title=New Rivals and Pending Merger Force a Company to Focus on Service |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/11/business/new-rivals-and-pending-merger-force-a-company-to-focus-on-service.html |access-date=2024-07-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Bernstein |first=Andrea |date=1995-03-19 |title=SOAPBOX; Hanging Up on Nynex |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/19/nyregion/soapbox-hanging-up-on-nynex.html |access-date=2024-07-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

In the fourth quarter of 1994 alone, NYNEX's New York City customers reported 99,145 service outages, while repair teams missed 61,500 appointments.<ref name=":2" /> According to the New York State Public Service Commission that represented a 30% rise over 1993 in missed repair appointments, a 40% rise in the number of lines reported out of service for more than 24 hours and a whopping 107% rise in complaints.<ref name=":3" /> In 1995, the state of [[New York (state)|New York]] proposed a new turnaround plan intended to help NYNEX improve its customer service. However, there were concerns that it would not work and that the rate reductions proposed by the plan would be too inconsistent.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 June 1995 |title=A Poor Plan for Nynex |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/01/opinion/a-poor-plan-for-nynex.html |accessdate=15 April 2012 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref>

The State of New York impounded $4.1 million of regulated fees collected by NYNEX in August 1996 for failing to meet specific service metrics that had been set by the public utility commission in its order setting service rates.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hernandez|first=Raymond|title=Nynex Fined $4.1 Million For a Year of Poor Service|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/23/nyregion/nynex-fined-4.1-million-for-a-year-of-poor-service.html|accessdate=15 April 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=23 August 1996}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Feiden|first=Douglas|title=Nynex Flunks Out Service Gets An F|url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/1996-04-29/news/18008662_1_nynex-service-performance-public-service-commission|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701141710/http://articles.nydailynews.com/1996-04-29/news/18008662_1_nynex-service-performance-public-service-commission|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 1, 2012|accessdate=15 April 2012|newspaper=NY Daily News|date=29 April 1996}}</ref> The Public Service Commission imposed $62.3 million in fines on NYNEX in November after it missed customer service benchmarks.<ref name=":0" /> 

==See also==
*[[Western Electric]]
*[[FairPoint Communications]]
*[[William C. Ferguson]]
*[[Nynex Arena|NYNEX Arena]] ([[Manchester]], [[United Kingdom]])

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19970227051330/http://www.nynex.com/ www.nynex.com] (Archived February 27, 1997)

{{AT&T Spinoffs}}
{{Verizon}}
{{Telecommunications}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nynex}}
[[Category:Telecommunications companies established in 1984]] 
[[Category:American companies established in 1984]]
[[Category:Defunct companies based in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Defunct telecommunications companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Bell System]]
[[Category:Verizon]]
[[Category:Telecommunications companies disestablished in 1997]]
[[Category: Companies formerly listed on the New York Stock Exchange]]