Change in Accounting Method

Bellsouth Corp
19 February 2003

BELLSOUTH PRESS RELEASE

                                                   For more information contact:

                                                  Jeff Battcher, Media Relations

                                                             Phone: [phone]

                                                     [e-mail]


BELLSOUTH ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN METHOD OF ACCOUNTING FOR ADVERTISING AND
PUBLISHING BUSINESS

Atlanta, GA - February 19, 2003 -- BellSouth Corporation announced today that
effective January 1, 2003, it will change its method for recognizing revenues
and expenses in its directory publishing business. The company will change from
the issue basis method to the deferral method. The change in method relates
solely to the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses and does not
affect the amounts recognized. The issue basis method recognizes 100% of the
revenues and direct expenses at the time the directories are published and
delivered to end-users. Under the deferral method, revenues and direct expenses
will be recognized ratably over the life of the related directory, generally 12
months.

The change in accounting method will be reflected in the income statement as a
cumulative effect of accounting change adjustment. Accordingly, there will be a
one-time charge reducing net income by approximately $500 million during the
first quarter of 2003.




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 markets, serving both business and residential customers. The
company's BellSouth AnswersSM 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) RealPages.comSM 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.


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