BellSouth and Protection One Expand Alliance to Alabama; Companies Offer Full Line of Home Security Systems and Monitoring Service in Birmingham.

Business Editors

ATLANTA & TOPEKA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 9, 2002

BellSouth Corp (NYSE:BLS) and Protection One, Inc. (NYSE:POI) have launched BellSouth(R)Security Systems from Protection One in Birmingham, Ala.

Homeowners in Birmingham now are able to choose from a basic to fully featured security system with many options. Pricing starts at $199 for a basic residential system installation. Customers can choose from a variety of options including wireless operation, SafetyNet(TM) (SafetyNet is a registered trademark of Protection One), integrated keypads and control panels, battery backup and latchkey paging. As part of the initial launch of the alliance, BellSouth(R) Security Systems from Protection One first offered these services in Atlanta, Charlotte, N.C., Raleigh, N.C., and Greensboro, N.C., in early 2001. Later that year, the alliance was expanded to Orlando, Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

"Customers in and across the region look to BellSouth for vital services, and security is just a logical extension of that," said Pam Jones, vice president, Strategy and Marketing, BellSouth Consumer Services. "With Protection One, we can offer our customers a superior security system from a provider that is worthy of the trust and reliability our customers expect from BellSouth," Jones continued.

"Expanding our alliance with BellSouth broadens our reach as one of the largest electronic security companies in the Southeast and offers even more consumers the opportunity to obtain security services from two known leaders in their respective industries." said Richard Ginsburg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Protection One. "The alliance between BellSouth and Protection One is built on a solid commitment to quality service and value-added product offerings. We believe BellSouth(R) Security Systems from Protection One offers consumers unparalleled choices in features and customer care, and we are pleased to expand where these services are offered to Alabama."

Under the co-branded offering, Protection One provides the following features and options:

-- Integrated keypads and control panels -- Systems are

easy-to-use with simple commands and backlit keypads.

-- Remote key fob -- Wireless device attaches to a key chain and

allows the system to be armed or disarmed at the touch of a

button, alleviating the need to quickly punch in a code when

entering or leaving.

-- Battery backup -- 24-hour backup keeps systems up and running

in the event of a temporary power failure.

-- Latchkey paging -- The system can instantly send a numeric

page to a parent the moment a child is safely at home.

-- Monitored smoke detectors -- Provides detection and

notification for the family and home whether at home or away.

-- Wireless operation -- Customers have the option of a wired or

wireless system.

-- Comprehensive warranty -- Two levels of warranty coverage for

greater peace of mind.

-- State-of-the-art monitoring -- Monitoring provided by only UL

Listed facilities and by dispatchers trained in accordance

with the same exacting standards developed for 911 response

operators by the Security Industry Association.

BellSouth(R) Security Systems from Protection One is backed by Protection One's monitoring center professionals who have received comprehensive emergency response training. When an alarm is activated, the monitoring center is quickly notified, and a dispatcher immediately calls the home, police, fire or other emergency services as necessary.

Protection One stands behind its systems and services with SafetyNet(TM) protection, which is a part of the standard monitoring and service agreement. This allows a reimbursement of up to $1,000 of a homeowner's paid insurance deductible in the case of a loss suffered due to burglary while under monitored protection. In addition, with an insurance certificate from Protection One, many insurance carriers will typically reduce homeowner's insurance rates from 10% to 30%.

For more information about BellSouth(R) Security Systems from Protection One, call 1-866-BSS-SAFE or visit www.bellsouth.com/security.

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 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.

About Protection One

Protection One, one of the leading commercial and residential monitored security services companies in the United States and a leading security provider to the multifamily housing market through Network Multifamily, serves more than one million customers in North America. Protection One is also a proud sponsor of the Protection One 400, a multi-year NASCAR Winston Cup Series Race at Kansas Speedway. For more information on Protection One, go to http://www.ProtectionOne.com.