ATLANTA - July 10, 2002 - BellSouth (NYSE: BLS) today announced it is implementing the most expansive Cisco wireless LAN network in the Southeast at St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. The wireless solution enables St. Vincent's healthcare providers to access real-time and historical clinical data via wireless devices anywhere, any time, as well as wireless bedside registration. This solution also begins the final phase of the facility's digital hospital initiative including computerized physician order entry (CPOE), which will allow physicians to instantaneously review vital patient information and electronically place orders for care.

For the past decade, St. Vincent's developed and implemented technologies aimed at creating a digital and wireless environment. BellSouth's wireless LAN network solution is one of the final steps in achieving a digital environment that places both historical and real-time patient data along with best practice and medical information in the caregiver's hands, at the moment a decision is needed.

"The wireless LAN network is another enhancement to our system which enables physicians to access vital patient information and the knowledge they need at the point of care and beyond the walls of the hospital to make quicker, better informed decisions," said Curtis James, St. Vincent's president and CEO. "Physicians and nurses will finally be free to use their wireless devices securely to optimize their time, and make more timely assessments and decisions. The result will be better care for our patients and efficiencies for our physicians and staff...everyone wins"

The hospital's wireless LAN solution leverages the robust capabilities BellSouth's network delivers. Providing a suite of industry-leading data solutions and increasing access to data at the metro level, ensures companies have the tools necessary to deliver innovative applications that meet key business objectives. In addition to the wireless LAN solution, St. Vincent's also relies on BellSouth for Internet connectivity, Frame Relay, and redundant SONET network to access and transport mission-critical data.

"BellSouth is committed to equipping our customers with industry-leading networking solutions and the implementation expertise required to ensure they can maximize business operations and better serve their customers," said Mark Kaish, BellSouth's vice president of data services and product marketing. "BellSouth is one of only five companies that has gained the prestigious Cisco IP Telephony Service Specialization. This, in addition to our other Cisco specializations, demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our sales force, network architects and implementation professionals are among the best in the industry."

BellSouth's strategic relationship with Cisco is a key element to the company's ability to provide data solutions to its customers. BellSouth's portfolio of solutions integrates voice and data transport, equipment and professional services, offering companies a single source provider that enables converged voice, data and Internet communications.

Cisco awards the IP Telephony Service Specialization to business partners that demonstrate expertise, experience and high levels of customer satisfaction in delivery, planning, design and implementation of Cisco IP Telephony services. It is one of six Cisco Specializations BellSouth has earned, including:

• Cisco IP Telephony Specialization - Recognizes business partner's knowledge and expertise in selling, designing, installing and supporting a multi-service network solution.
• Cisco Voice Access Specialization - Recognizes business partner's ability to successfully sell, design, install and support Cisco remote dial access products, offering a unified network architecture.
• Cisco Wireless LAN Specialization - Recognizes business partner's knowledge and expertise in building and maintaining end-to-end wireless network connections throughout or between buildings, without the limitations of wires or cables.
• VPN Security Specialization - Recognizes business partner's knowledge and expertise in selling, designing, installing, and supporting a network security solution.
• IP Telephony Services Specializations - Recognizes business partner's expertise, experience and high customer satisfaction in delivery of planning, design and implementation services around Cisco IP Telephony.
• Network Management - Recognizes business partner's expertise and resources to successfully design, sell, install and support Cisco Network Management solutions.

In addition to numerous industry-leading Cisco Specializations, BellSouth also has a highly-trained and Cisco certified staff consisting of:

• 9 CCIEs - Achieved highest Cisco certification level.
• 35 CCxPs - Achieved intermediate level Cisco certification.
• 150 CcxAs - Achieved beginner level Cisco certification.
• 350 Cisco Certified Sellers - Completed technologies and solutions Cisco sales training, including cable, Internet solutions, security and SNA/IP.

More information about BellSouth's IP Telephony and Wireless LAN solutions can befound at www.bellsouth.com/datasolutions.com.

About St. Vincent's Hospital

St. Vincent's, a 338-bed acute care hospital serving a five-county area, is a member of Ascension Health, the nation's largest not-for-profit health system. St. Vincent's is designated as Ascension Health's flagship digital hospital and has been recognized nationally for its technology initiatives. St. Vincent's is a past winner of the Alabama Quality Award for Healthcare; has been named a McKesson Clinical Leader; and has been named on of the country's 100 Most Wired Hospitals.

Service areas include: Women's and Children's Services, Oncology, Cardiology, Orthopedics, Neurology and Surgical Services.

St. Vincent's consistently ranks in the top ten percent for inpatient satisfaction in the nation's largest patient satisfaction database, Press,Ganey, and has earned numerous awards for its community involvement and commitment to caring for the poor and vulnerable.

Additional information about St. Vincent's is available at www.stv.org.

About Ascension Health

Ascension Health (www.ascensionhealth.org) is a Catholic health ministry dedicated to improving access and delivering quality care particularly for those who are poor and vulnerable. This commitment is demonstrated by the $352 million annually provided for community benefit and care of the poor. With national offices based in St. Louis, Missouri, this $8.9 billion healthcare leader is the nation's largest not for profit health system and has more than 80,000 associates working in health facilities in 15 states and the District of Columbia.

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® 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.