SBC Communications Announces Contract with Walgreen Co.; SBC Companies to Provide Data Networking Solutions to More than 2,000 Walgreens Locations

Business Wire, Jan 21, 2005

SAN ANTONIO -- SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC) today announced a new voice and data networking contract with Illinois-based Walgreen Co. (NYSE,NASDAQ:WAG), the nation's largest drugstore chain.

Under terms of the contract, SBC companies will provide various voice, data networking, and managed services to more than 2,000 Walgreens locations nationwide. This nationwide agreement enhances an already solid relationship between Walgreen Co. and SBC companies.

"We were seeking a major provider that would not only provide excellent customer service and a simplified rate structure, but one that would also match our scale and scope," said Trent Taylor, Senior Vice President and CIO, Walgreen Co. "We're confident that SBC companies will be able to help us meet our needs today while also accommodating our expected growth in the future."

"We're excited to expand our relationship with Walgreens while further demonstrating our ability to provide a single point-of-contact for network management and maintenance needs on a national scale," said Bob Ferguson, president, SBC Global & Enterprise Markets.

About Walgreen Co.

Walgreen Co. is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2004 sales of $37.5 billion. The company operates 4,683 stores in 44 states and Puerto Rico, and plans to open about 450 new stores nationwide in fiscal 2005. Walgreens also provides additional services to pharmacy patients and prescription drug plans through Walgreens Health Initiatives (a pharmacy benefits manager), Walgreens Mail Service, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy and Walgreens Home Care.

About SBC

SBC Communications Inc. is a Fortune 50 company whose subsidiaries, operating under the SBC brand, provide a full range of voice, data, networking, e-business, directory publishing and advertising, and related services to businesses, consumers and other telecommunications providers. SBC holds a 60 percent ownership interest in Cingular Wireless, which serves more than 46 million wireless customers. SBC companies provide high-speed DSL Internet access lines to more American consumers than any other provider and are among the nation's leading providers of Internet services. SBC companies also now offer satellite TV service. Additional information about SBC and SBC products and services is available at www.sbc.com.

SBC, the SBC logo and other product and service names are trademarks of SBC Knowledge Ventures, L.P. (C) 2004 SBC Knowledge Ventures, L.P. All rights reserved.