Wireless Network etc

Bellsouth Corp
9 December 1999



FOR MORE INFORMATION
Jeff Battcher (404-713-0274)
Pattie Kushner (404-249-2365)

BellSouth Recognizes One-Time Charge Related to Upgrading Wireless Network

BELLSOUTH

ATLANTA - BellSouth Corporation (NYSE: BLS) announced today that it is
revising the reporting of an asset swap executed in June 1999, related to
equipment that is being replaced as the company continues to upgrade its
U.S. wireless network. BellSouth initially reported the transaction as a
like-kind exchange. Upon review of clarifying accounting literature
issued on November 24, 1999 and further analysis, the company is revising
its reporting of the transaction.

As a result, the company will restate results for the second and third
quarters of 1999. A non-cash charge of approximately $187 million after
taxes, or 10 cents per share, will be reflected in revised second quarter
1999 results. In addition, applicable depreciation expense will be
adjusted, with no resulting impact on previously reported earnings per
share for the second quarter and a 1-cent decrease in previously reported
earnings per share for the third quarter. However, BellSouth reiterated that it
expects reported earnings per share growth for the full year 1999 to be in the
19-21 percent range.

In June 1999, BellSouth entered into a contract with Ericsson to replace
infrastructure equipment in 14 wireless markets. The agreement calls for
Ericsson to provide and install switches, base stations, software and
services. BellSouth entered into the agreement to improve network
performance and to lay the foundation for migration of the network to
Third Generation wireless (3G) and wireless Internet.

BellSouth is a $25 billion communications services company. It provides
telecommunications, wireless communications, cable and digital TV,
advertising and publishing, and Internet and data services to more than
36 million customers in 20 countries worldwide.

NOTE: For more information about BellSouth Corporation, visit the
BellSouth Web page at  http://www.bellsouth.com/

Safe Harbor Statement

In addition to historical information, this press release contains
forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends. Factors
that could affect future results and financial position and could cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the
forward-looking statements include:

1 . a change in economic conditions in domestic or international markets
where we operate or have material investments which would affect demand
for our services;

2. the intensity of competitive activity and its resulting impact on
pricing strategies and new product offerings; and

3. higher than anticipated cash requirements for investments, new
business initiatives and acquisitions.