Consumer Tip: SBC Pacific Bell Telephone Company Assists Customers with Safe and Convenient Online Bill Payment Options

Business Wire, Feb 19, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHAT: As more consumers consider using the Internet for transactions,
      it's useful to understand the benefits of paying bills online.
      SBC Pacific Bell offers a safe online billing service that makes
      it easy and convenient for consumers to maintain their account
      information, pay bills and save time.


      Reasons to pay your SBC Pacific Bell bill online:

      --  Convenience -- It's free, simple, safe and easy. You receive
        email notification when a printable version of your monthly
        bill is available to view and pay online.

      --  Safety and privacy -- A secure and encrypted user ID and
        password protect your privacy by safeguarding access to your
        account information.

      --  Savings -- Save time and save money. With online billing there
        are no more checks to write and you can pay your bill with the
        click of a mouse, saving the cost of stamps, envelopes and the
        hassle of getting to the post office.

      --  Payment options -- In addition to the "Pay Now" click-through
        option, Pacific Bell can automatically deduct the amount of
        your bill from an authorized account through its Automatic
        Payment Service.(1)

      --  Flexibility -- You can pay your bill anywhere you have
        Internet access, not just at home.

      --  Paper free environment -- All of your account information,
        including six months of prior billing statements, is available
        online.

      --  Reverse number lookup -- You can review long distance charges
        to determine which number was dialed for a given charge by
        clicking on the number in question and view the name and
        contact information of the person dialed.

(1) The Automatic Payment service is also available to offline
    customers, in addition to other payment options such as direct
    mail, electronic check and credit card payment.

This consumer tip is part of SBC Pacific Bell Telephone Company's ongoing commitment to assist our customers.

For more information, contact: Jenny Conradi 415-356-1029

Consumers wishing to register for online billing with SBC Pacific Bell can visit www.pacbell.com and click on Online Account Manager, then click on Register Now.