BellSouth to Launch Nationwide Business Data Service

BellSouth (NYSE: BLS) announced today
that it signed an internetworking agreement with Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S)
to enable seamless connectivity for BellSouth's next generation data customers
across both providers' networks. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The service is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2006 and will
initially utilize the BellSouth private IP backbone in the southeastern U.S.
and Sprint's network in other regions to link businesses with multiple
locations.
"BellSouth customers will now have nationwide access to leading data
capabilities, including full mesh connectivity and class of service priority
routing to support converged applications," said Fred Shaftman, president,
BellSouth Business. "Teaming with other industry leaders to bring both
traditional and next generation solutions to business customers continues to
be an important part of BellSouth's strategy."
BellSouth's nationwide data solution will utilize the security and
flexibility of MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) to allow internetworking
of multiple access methods. The nationwide service will seamlessly transport
data across both BellSouth and Sprint MPLS networks.
Many businesses have the challenge of linking multiple office locations
that are broadly distributed throughout the country to corporate resources.
Each location often has specific network access requirements and, in the past,
companies have had to self-integrate and manage these disparate networks
across the organization. BellSouth's nationwide service will provide a
managed network-based solution regardless of customer location.
"This new nationwide MPLS data service will immediately increase
BellSouth's addressable customer base and will strategically position them to
more effectively attract and retain large business customers," said Jeff
Kagan, an Atlanta-based telecom industry analyst.
For more information about BellSouth voice and data solutions for
businesses, visit http://www.bellsouthlargebusiness.com.

About BellSouth Corporation
BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications company
headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. BellSouth has joint control and 40 percent
ownership of Cingular Wireless, the nation's largest wireless voice and data
provider with 51.6 million customers.
Backed by award winning customer service, BellSouth offers the most
comprehensive and innovative package of voice and data services available in
the market. Through BellSouth Answers(R), residential and small business
customers can bundle their local and long distance service with dial-up and
high-speed DSL Internet access, satellite television and Cingular(R) Wireless
service. For businesses, BellSouth provides secure, reliable local and long
distance voice and data networking solutions. BellSouth also offers online and
directory advertising through BellSouth(R) RealPages.com(R) and The Real
Yellow Pages(R).
BellSouth believes that diversity and fostering an inclusive environment
are critical in maintaining a competitive advantage in today's global
marketplace.