<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(b)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our reports
dated June 19, 2000 (and to all references to our Firm) included in GTE
Corporation's Form 11-Ks for the GTE Savings Plan and the GTE Hourly Savings
Plan for the year ended December 31, 1999 as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (File No. 1-2755) and incorporated by reference in this Post
Effective Amendment No.1 on Form S-8 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
No. 333-76171) of Bell Atlantic Corporation d/b/a Verizon Communications.
Dallas, Texas /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
June 30, 2000
