BellSouth Enhances Communications for Students and Faculty at Bethune-Cookman College.

Business Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 25, 2003

BellSouth Enables the College to Maximize Technology, Aiding in

Recruitment and Retention of Top Talent

BellSouth (NYSE: BLS) today announced that it has collaborated with Bethune-Cookman College to develop an innovative voice/data communications system for the school. Bethune-Cookman College, founded in 1904 by Mary McLeod Bethune, is located in Daytona Beach, Fla.

By working with the communications experts on BellSouth's account team, Bethune-Cookman has utilized the latest technology systems to upgrade its phone system, data networking and Internet capabilities. These enhanced systems will create better communications that support recruitment, student services and on-campus support systems for faculty and staff. With a renewed focus on technology for learning, Bethune-Cookman College has noticed increased student and faculty satisfaction and has been recognized nationally for its efforts(a).

"Bethune-Cookman's focus has always been on education in the classroom, but today's students and faculty desire technology that supports and enhances the learning experience," said Margaret Massey, vice president and chief information officer of Bethune-Cookman College. "BellSouth has worked closely with us to implement a solution that allows us to offer additional capabilities to our students and faculty, creating greater efficiencies within the institution."

The BellSouth solution for Bethune-Cookman consisted of several voice and data components including:

-- Dedicated Internet Access - a high speed, dedicated Internet connection allowed the college to upgrade access capabilities within its dormitories and computer labs, enhancing student and faculty research and work efficiencies.

-- Nortel Meridian PBX - a digital phone system that provides modern, bundled features for ease of voice communication, delivering greater customer service to current and potential students, alumni and parents.

-- Maintenance and Installation - a five-year equipment maintenance contract and BellSouth's professional implementation have ensured a smooth transition from the old equipment to the updated solution.

-- Voice Network - an upgraded voice network consisting of Primate Rate ISDN (PRI) service was installed, providing direct inward dial (DID) service, caller ID and more efficient call allocation.

-- Data Infrastructure - BellSouth designed and installed a private fiber optic Wide Area Network (WAN) that spans Bethune-Cookman's campus, enhancing data communications and providing redundancy.

"Education is a key focus for BellSouth and an industry that is vital to the prosperity of our communities," said Joan Kratz, vice president of marketing for BellSouth Business. "Whether it is a complex public school system in K-12 with multiple locations, or an institution of higher learning like Bethune-Cookman, BellSouth is committed to equipping students and faculty with technology that encourages further development."

"We are appreciative of the long-term interest and communications assistance BellSouth has provided to Bethune-Cookman College," said Dr. Oswald P. Bronson, Sr., president of B-CC. "BellSouth is a true supporter of the college's growth and future."

BellSouth continues to work on innovative solutions for Bethune-Cookman as new products and services become available. Since the installation of the initial enhanced technology services, the college has received positive feedback from existing students and faculty as well as parents, alumni and potential students.

(a) The Bethune Cookman College Web site was rated 4 out of 49 4-Year Historically Black Colleges and 13 out of all 103 HBCUs for 2003 in Howard University's Digital Lab HBCU Web Site Ranking.

About Bethune-Cookman College

Bethune-Cookman College is a comprehensive college, which offers degrees in liberal arts as well as professional fields, such as business, education and nursing. A United Methodist Church-affiliated school, the college has a diverse international student population of more than 2,500 and a solid reputation for academic excellence. As evidence of its outstanding program, the College has been listed in the Templeton Honor Roll of Character Building Colleges and Universities, and it was ranked by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the "Top 50'' schools in the nation for black students.

For more information, visit the Bethune-Cookman Web site at www.bethune.cookman.edu.

About BellSouth Corporation

BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications services company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, serving more than 44 million customers in the United States and 14 other countries.

Consistently recognized for customer satisfaction, BellSouth provides a full array of broadband data solutions to large, medium and small businesses. In the residential market, BellSouth offers DSL high-speed Internet access, advanced voice features and other services. BellSouth also offers long distance service throughout its entire territory, serving both business and residential customers. The company's BellSouth Answers(SM) package combines local and long distance service with an array of calling features; wireless data, voice and e-mail services; and high-speed DSL or dial-up Internet service. BellSouth also provides online and directory advertising services through BellSouth(R) Real Pages(SM).com and The Real Yellow Pages(R).

BellSouth owns 40 percent of Cingular Wireless, the nation's second largest wireless company, which provides innovative data and voice services.