News by SB Informer

BellSouth Signs Agreements with DirecTECH and MasTec

SB Informer
Wednesday, September 20, 2006; 03:35 AM

BellSouth (NYSE: BLS) today announced that it has entered into non-exclusive agreements with DirecTECH and MasTec, Inc. (NYSE: MTZ) , DIRECTV Master System Operators, to jointly market and deploy DIRECTV(R) services to the residential multi-dwelling unit (MDU) market in BellSouth's service area.

Under these agreements, BellSouth, together with DirecTECH and MasTec, will offer voice, data and DIRECTV programming packages specifically designed for the MDU market. Joint proposals and coordinated deployment of services will provide multi-family developers and homeowners associations with a full menu of premium residential technology services that will result in time and cost savings to residents.

"BellSouth's comprehensive portfolio of voice and data products, combined with the specialized DIRECTV experience of DirecTECH and MasTec, provides the multi-dwelling unit market with a dependable source for the services that meet its specific needs," said Phil Jacobs, president - Community Technologies, BellSouth. "As a result of these agreements, developers, managers and residents of multi-dwelling developments in the Southeast receive reliable phone and Internet services and unique digital programming such as NFL Sunday Ticket and Spanish language channels."

The approach to serving residential multi-family developments is markedly different from the residential single-family market. Because voice, video and data services require wiring and equipment installed in common areas, multi- family developers and homeowners associations prefer to contract with a team that can efficiently deliver the services they need. Similarly, residents of multi-family developments, if given the option, are more apt to subscribe to technology services from providers with simplified solutions.

"Teaming with BellSouth immediately enables DirecTECH to gain sales opportunities with BellSouth customers and vice versa," said Mark Cunningham, director of MDU, DirecTECH. "The joint marketing agreement creates a unique and powerful bundle when the companies approach communities together."

The combination of BellSouth's communications products and reputation and DirecTECH's and MasTec's video products and experience with MDU properties uniquely position all three companies to meet the demanding service and reliability requirements of today's developers.

"Builders and residents desire a simple, triple-play solution and the teaming arrangement with BellSouth accomplishes just that," said Jose R. Mas, vice chairman and executive vice president - Business Development, MasTec. "The best in voice, data and video have aligned and end users are the beneficiaries."

BellSouth Corporation (www.bellsouth.com) 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 57.3 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.

DirecTECH offers a multi-channel video service solution to apartments and condominiums utilizing DIRECTV services. Additionally, DirecTECH is one of the largest Home Service Providers (installation fulfillment companies) for DIRECTV, with operations in twenty-one states.

MasTec (www.mastec.com) is a leading specialty contractor operating throughout the United States and in Canada across a range of industries. The Company's core activities are the building, installation, maintenance and upgrade of communication and utility infrastructure systems.

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