BellSouth Announcement

Bellsouth Corp
17 May 2002


News Release



For Immediate Release

May 17, 2002

For More Information Contact:
Jeff Battcher
BellSouth Media Relations
404-713-0274




                    BellSouth announces workforce reduction

May 17, 2002, ATLANTA - BellSouth announced today that it will reduce its
workforce by 4,000-5,000 employees. The reduction will involve both
non-management and management positions and is designed to reduce operating
costs in response to a slow economy, increased competition and regulatory
pricing pressures.

"We face a fiercely competitive marketplace, and we must continue to reduce our
cost structure in order to compete," said BellSouth Chairman and CEO Duane
Ackerman. "We must continue to deliver our products and services at competitive
prices to meet the increasing demands of our customers."

The company expects to achieve its management force reduction needs through a
voluntary separation plan. Non-management separations will be handled in
accordance with the current working agreement with the Communications Workers of
America.

As a result of the reduction, BellSouth will record an after-tax charge of
$250-300 million.


About BellSouth Corporation

BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications services company
headquartered in Atlanta, GA, serving almost 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 PagesSM.com.

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



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                      This information is provided by RNS
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