Statement re Arbitration Dec.

Bellsouth Corp
19 March 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



For More Information:

Jeff Battcher

BellSouth Corporation

[phone]

        Arbitrator orders restrictions to protect BellSouth's interests

ATLANTA, March 18, 2003 - Judge William H. Webster has rendered a decision in
the arbitration proceeding involving Mr. Gary D. Forsee, BellSouth, and
Cingular. The ruling today states that Mr. Forsee, subject to significant
restrictions outlined in the order, may accept employment with Sprint.

In this arbitration, Judge Webster was only permitted to review the
confidentiality clause of Mr. Forsee's employment agreement. He was not
permitted to review the portion of Mr. Forsee contract with BellSouth in which
Mr. Forsee agreed not to work for a competitor for eighteen months. In regard to
confidentiality, the judge issued a comprehensive set of restrictions for
protecting BellSouth information in the event Mr. Forsee assumes employment with
Sprint. The restrictions outlined in the order must now be acknowledged by a
resolution of the Sprint Board of Directors as a condition of Mr. Forsee's
employment.

Still pending before the courts is the non-compete issue now before the Georgia
Supreme Court, and in Federal court, the tortious interference claim jointly
filed against Sprint by BellSouth and Cingular. We are pursuing these cases to
ensure that the interests of BellSouth's shareholders are fully protected.

BellSouth has always believed it had a duty and a responsibility to protect
confidential information and trade secrets from disclosure to competitors, and
we will pursue these matters in the best interest of our shareholders and
employees.

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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