BellSouth Announces Wireless E-Mail Service

Business Wire, March 9, 2001

Business Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 9, 2001

Two-way Device Makes the Connections, No Strings Attached

BellSouth(R)(NYSE:BLS) today announced the launch of BellSouth Wireless E-Mail Service for the Motorola Talkabout(R) T900 2way - a two-way device that allows users to reach family, friends and business associates via text messaging. The service is available today or by mid-March to most customers throughout BellSouth's nine-state region.

"I think wireless e-mail is going to quickly become the communications `it' device. Customers have the freedom to use it in a private setting without worrying about it ringing and interrupting a meeting, and the interaction is immediate. It's like having email and the Internet on your hip," said Terry Yarbrough, Assistant Vice President of Consumer Marketing for BellSouth.

The Talkabout T900 2way allows the user to exchange text messages with Internet e-mail, other T900 users, other 2-way messaging devices, other word pagers and cell phones. This new device can also pull data from the Internet such as flight information, stock quotes, weather and horoscopes.

For the first time, wireless e-mail is made affordable for younger consumers, many of whom previously considered interactive messaging inaccessible due to cost. Because of the cost-effectiveness of the device, it is also an excellent way for families to stay connected throughout their busy days.

The Talkabout T900 2way costs approximately $100 after rebates, with a limited-time only monthly service fee of $29.95 for unlimited messages. After this special offer, customers will be given the choice of a fixed rate, very comparable to the original offer, or a per use rate plan.

The Motorola T900 comes in four fun colors: Black, Aqua Ice, Razberry Ice, or Mystic Blue with an array of additional handy features. The pager features a lighted keyboard, an automatic signature capability, confirmed message delivery, and assured messaging, which means the device will intermittently send a message until the end user's device or email accepts the original message. Whether in a movie or a meeting, the Talkabout T900 2way allows users the freedom and confidentiality to send messages in any situation.

BellSouth delivers the unit to the customer's door and bills the service and two-way unit to the customer's BellSouth phone bill. No contract is necessary, and the limited-offer price includes a warranty plan and unlimited messaging.

About BellSouth Corporation

BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications services company headquartered in Atlanta, GA, serving more than 44 million customers in the United States and 16 other countries.

Consistently recognized for customer satisfaction, BellSouth provides a full array of broadband data and e-commerce solutions to business customers, including Web hosting and other Internet services. In the residential market, BellSouth offers DSL high-speed Internet access, advanced voice features and other services. BellSouth also provides online and directory advertising services, including BellSouth(R) Real Pages.com.

BellSouth owns 40 percent of Cingular Wireless, the nation's second largest wireless company, which provides innovative wireless data and voice services.