BCI's Latin American Affiliate Grants Option to Bellsouth.

Business Editors

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 2001

BCI (NASDAQ:BCICF)(TSE:BI.)

Bell Canada International Inc. ("BCI") today announced that its Latin America affiliate, Telecom Americas Ltd. ("Telecom Americas") has granted a call option to BellSouth International Inc. to purchase 50% of Telecom Americas' stake in the Sao Paulo State cellular company, Tess S.A.

BCI owns, develops and operates advanced communications companies in markets outside Canada, with a focus on Latin America. A subsidiary of BCE Inc., Canada's largest communications company, BCI's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol BI and on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol BCICF. Visit our Web site at www.bci.ca

The press release of Telecom Americas follows.

TELECOM AMERICAS GRANTS OPTION TO BELLSOUTH

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 10, 2001 - Telecom Americas Ltd., the Latin American joint venture among Mexico's America Movil S.A. de C.V. ("America Movil") (NYSE: AMX) (NASDAQ: AMOV)(BMV: AMX), Bell Canada International Inc. ("BCI") (NASDAQ: BCICF) (TSE: BI) and Texas-based SBC Communications Inc. ("SBC") (NYSE: SBC) today announced that it has granted a call option to BellSouth International Inc. ("BellSouth") to purchase 50% of Telecom Americas' stake in the Sao Paulo State cellular company, Tess S.A. ("Tess")

Yesterday, Telecom Americas announced it had closed the February 12th agreement to acquire effective ownership of the equity of Tess.

The exercise of the option is subject to a number of restrictions, including receipt of all necessary regulatory, legal and other approvals. Under the option agreement, BellSouth has six months to make a decision.

Tess provides mobile communication services in the Brazilian State of Sao Paulo excluding the Metropolitan Sao Paulo region. The Sao Paulo Coast and Interior is one of the most prosperous regions of Brazil, with a population of 18.4 million. As at December 31, 2000, Tess served approximately 940,000 subscribers. About Telecom Americas

Telecom Americas Ltd. is a facilities-based company which provides mobile wireless and broadband communications services in South America's leading markets. Owned 44.3% by each of America Movil and Bell Canada International and 11.4% by SBC Communications, Telecom Americas is the three partners' primary vehicle for expansion in Latin America.

This news release may contain or refer to other communications that may contain certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of management with respect to performance, business and future events. Forward looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance, or achievements, and may contain words like "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "envisages", "will likely result", or any other words or phrases of similar meaning. Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results and events may vary significantly.

For further information: Telecom Americas Carlos Henrique Moreira Tel: [phone]