BellSouth Strikes Strategic Agreement With Samsung on Broadband-Enabled Devices

ATLANTA, May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- BellSouth announced today a strategic agreement with Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) to explore opportunities to market and co-brand broadband-enabled devices in consumer and business markets. This agreement comes during a time of increasing convergence between traditional telephony, computing and entertainment.

"BellSouth and Samsung recognize that convergence is the future of our industries," said Randy Roberts, vice president - consumer devices & wireless, BellSouth. "We are excited about the potential to leverage the brand strength of both companies to provide our customers with simple, seamlessly-integrated products."

"This is a very strategic opportunity which dramatically advances our North American growth plans," said Dale Sohn, President of Samsung Telecommunications America. "By joining with one of the leaders in broadband deployment, we gain a significant presence in the United States. Our companies' strong commitments to deliver innovative broadband services will advance convergence and further enhance the customer experience."

The two companies will work throughout 2006 to identify opportunities in which a relationship between BellSouth's broadband platform and Samsung's innovative devices could extend broadband usage and deliver enhanced solutions to BellSouth customers.

"Our vision is to enable a digital home in which a customer can share photos and music, download and watch video, play games online, or talk to their friends and family -- from whatever device they choose at any location in their home," continued Roberts.

In the past year, BellSouth has continued to see tremendous growth in its wireline DSL business as more residential and business customers upgrade to broadband. BellSouth currently serves more than three million DSL customers in the Southeast.

About BellSouth Corporation

BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 500 communications company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. BellSouth has joint control and 40 percent ownership of Cingular Wireless, the nation's largest wireless voice and data provider with 55.8 million customers.

Backed by award-winning customer service, BellSouth offers the most comprehensive and innovative package of voice and data services available in the market. Through BellSouth Answers(R), residential and small business customers can bundle their local and long distance service with dial-up and high-speed DSL Internet access, satellite television and Cingular(R) Wireless service. For businesses, BellSouth provides secure, reliable local and long distance voice and data networking solutions. BellSouth also offers print and online directory advertising through The Real Yellow Pages(R) and YELLOWPAGES.COM(TM) from BellSouth.

BellSouth believes that diversity and fostering an inclusive environment are critical in maintaining a competitive advantage in today's global marketplace. More information about BellSouth can be found at http://www.bellsouth.com/.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, L.P., a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, see STA's website at http://www.samsungusa.com/.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 90 offices in 51 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com/.