[0] Southern LINC Introduces the First Ruggedized, Multi-Use Handset With Internet Access.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2000

r750plus Handset Designed to Meet Specific Customer Requirements

Southern LINC(R), the wireless communications service from Southern Company (NYSE: SO), introduces the new Motorola r750plus(TM) handset equipped with one-watt of power for stronger transmission in rural areas, durable features and a built-in microbrowser that lets users maintain a constant Internet connection.

Available in fourth quarter 2000, the r750plus handset combines Instant LINC(SM) (two-way radio), phone service, alphanumeric paging and Internet capabilities, including email. The r750plus handset meets military specifications for shock, vibration, dust and rain, and is built to withstand tough conditions for industries including public safety, construction and utilities.

Using the r750plus handset, customers will now have access to wireless data applications from a rugged communication device. Construction and utility companies will be able to send work orders to the field and re-route crews more efficiently.

"Our crews are out in all kinds of severe weather and need a handset that withstands rain and shock in case it gets dropped in the course of repairs," says Dennis McCluskey, client service analyst, Southern Company. "The r750plus meets our requirements and offers good voice quality and coverage. Several new features are extremely useful for mobile workers. For example, with Pause Digit Entry and Turbo Dial(R) features you can access voice mail at the press of a button so you don't have to dial multiple numbers like passwords and PINs.

Developed with certain public safety needs in mind, the r750plus handset offers a selectable backlight timer so users can customize the amount of time the backlight remains illuminated. Law enforcement officers have the option to select no backlight for situations when they may need to remain hidden in dark areas. The r750plus handset is also equipped with the VibraCall(R) feature, to ensure that users have silent notification of incoming phone and Instant LINC calls, voice mail and e-mail.

Advance features offered through Southern LINC's network enable customers to monitor more than one talkgroup and allows them to create aliases for their talkgroups for speed and convenience. In addition, an emergency call button will alert everyone in the sender's designated talkgroup of an emergency situation.

"Our customers asked for these features and we delivered," says Bob Dawson, president and CEO, Southern LINC. "The r750plus handset offers the communication options our customers need according to the strict specifications many of them require."

The r750plus handset offers a built-in speakerphone for hands-free conversations. Additional hands-free accessories are available for the r750plus handset, including a lapel microphone and car kit.

Southern LINC, which stands for Long-range Integrated Network Communications, covers 127,000 square miles in the Southeast, including major metro and rural areas in Alabama, Georgia, southeastern Mississippi and northwest Florida. Using Motorola's iDEN(R) technology, Southern LINC combines multiple communication services into one handset or installed device including Instant LINC (two-way radio), phone service, numeric and text paging, and Informance Solutions. More information about Southern LINC can be obtained by calling 1-800-818-LINC (5462) or visiting the Southern LINC Web site at www.southernlinc.com.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is an international energy company that operates more than 48,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity worldwide. It is the largest producer of electricity in the United States and one of the world's largest independent power producers.

Southern LINC, Informance Solutions and Instant LINC are salesmarks or registered trademarks of Southern LINC. Motorola, iDEN, r750plus, Turbo Dial and VibraCall are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola, Inc. All Rights Reserved.