BellSouth Expands Wireless Broadband Service Into Mississippi Gulf Coast


Copany Offers Innovative Solutions to Keep Customers Connected --

GULFPORT, Miss., Dec. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- BellSouth (NYSE:BLS) announced the expansion of its wireless broadband service to customers in Gulfport and Biloxi, Miss., who sustained long-term damage after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. BellSouth(R) Wireless Broadband Service provides small businesses and consumers with an alternative high-speed Internet access solution as they rebuild their businesses and homes or help with restoration efforts.

"Small businesses and homeowners are still rebuilding, and they are looking to BellSouth to provide the critical communications they need to get their lives in order," said John McCullouch, president of BellSouth's Mississippi operations. "Our wireless broadband service will provide customers with a viable and economical solution for high-speed Internet access."

This service offers businesses and consumers high-speed Internet access, with downstream speeds up to 1.5Mbps. With no phone line needed, the system transmits signals between local radio towers and a small non-line-of-sight modem that plugs into a desktop or laptop computer, or a local router.

Small businesses and consumers interested in ordering Wireless Broadband Service can call 1-877-241-5490.

"As BellSouth strategically expands wireless broadband service across our region, we considered it an obvious choice to utilize this innovative technology for disaster recovery," continued McCullouch.

BellSouth was the first major telecom provider in the U.S. to commercially launch wireless broadband service using pre-WIMAX technology. The company also offers wireless broadband service in Athens, Ga., Palatka, Fla., and New Orleans.

Service available in a limited coverage area to a limited number of subscribers.

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 52.3 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. More information about BellSouth can be found at www.bellsouth.com/.

CONTACT: Rick Stewart, +1-228-868-5009, or +1-228-324-1031, or Rick.Stewart@bellsouth.com , or Nadine Randall, +1-404-829-8724, or Nadine.Randall@bellsouth.com , both of BellSouth Corporation

Web site: http://www.bellsouth.com/

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