BellSouth Awarded Estimated $236 Million Contract To Support National FAA Telecom Infrastructure.

Business Editors

Multi-Million Dollar Voice and Data Services to Improve Operations

at Airports Throughout the Southeast

BellSouth (NYSE: BLS) today announced it has been awarded a contract to provide 5,000 voice and data circuits to major airports throughout the Southeast -- including Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport, Miami International Airport and Memphis International Airport in Tennessee - as part of a $1.7 billion FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) upgrade awarded to Harris Corporation of Melbourne, Fla.

The contract guarantees BellSouth $165 million during the first seven years of the 10-year contract, with the potential to gain an additional $71 million when the agreement is re-bid in 2009.

BellSouth and Harris will enable the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure program by enhancing operational functions, reducing operating costs, and improving network security and telecommunications at airports throughout the Southeast. The solutions will enhance radar capabilities and increase air traffic controllers' ability to track general aviation and commercial aircraft.

"The award of a contract of this magnitude demonstrates BellSouth's commitment to providing secure, reliable and cost-effective solutions that increase voice and data communications for our customers," said Fred Shaftman, president of BellSouth Business. "BellSouth's redundant and expansive voice and data infrastructure was a key factor in winning the contract. We are pleased to be part of a national team that is increasing airline safety and security by improving communications between ground crews and pilots."

Under terms of the contract, BellSouth and Harris will work together to consolidate the Leased Interfacility NAS Communications System, Data Multiplexing Network, Bandwidth Manager and the National Aviation Data Interchange Network (NADIN) into an integrated telecommunications infrastructure. The team will replace more than 35,000 circuits, upgrade switching and routing services, improve network monitoring and control, implement a state-of-the-art security system and provide network engineering services.

BellSouth anticipates it will receive the first installation service orders in June of next year. Installation of the 5,000 circuits will take place over a four-year period. BellSouth expects to have all circuits installed by October of 2006.

About BellSouth Corporation

BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications services company headquartered in Atlanta, GA, serving nearly 45 million customers in the United States and 14 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 offers long distance service for both business and consumer customers in Georgia and Louisiana.

BellSouth also provides online and directory advertising services, including BellSouth(R) Real Pages(SM).com. BellSouth owns 40 percent of Cingular Wireless, the nation's second largest wireless company, which provides innovative wireless data and voice services.