SBC California Deploys Technicians and Equipment to Help Rebuild Hurricane-Damaged Telecommunications Systems; More Than 45 California Technicians to Travel to Gulf Region to Assist in Recovery Efforts

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 20, 2005--SBC California (NYSE:SBC) today announced it is deploying more than 45 California-based technicians and managers, as well as trucks and equipment, to assist in the rebuilding of the telecommunications infrastructure in the greater New Orleans region that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

"SBC West stands ready and proud to assist those affected by the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina," said Chuck Smith, president and chief executive officer of SBC West. "Disasters often bring out the best in people, and the response from SBC employees in California and beyond proves this true once again."

“SBC West stands ready and proud to assist those affected by the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina”

Starting tomorrow, SBC California will begin deploying trucks and equipment to San Antonio, TX from two SBC West locations - one in San Leandro and the other in City of Commerce. Technicians from across the state will then fly to San Antonio to pick up equipment and vehicles and then travel to Covington, Louisiana, near New Orleans to begin restoration work.

Part of the SBC California response will include six microwave telecommunications trailers designed to establish and maintain temporary phone service during natural disasters. Bell South plans to deploy these SBC portable trailers in rural areas until the telecommunications network is rebuilt. Some of these units provided vital, emergency communications to San Diego County residents during the huge firestorm in 2003.

In response to requests from BellSouth, the primary telecommunications provider in the region, SBC companies will initially deploy up to 140 technicians from California, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas to provide network and technical support to assist in the recovery efforts. The company already has sent equipment -- generators and microwave trailers -- to the area affected by the hurricane, and additional technicians will be provided on an as-needed basis. The team is expected to begin work next week and continue to be available through mid-December.

In addition to technicians, SBC companies have provided technology through a commitment of more than $4 million a month in services. Free local and long distance calling, Internet service and voice mail boxes have enabled thousands of Katrina evacuees to reconnect with families, make appointments for job interviews, search for housing, and stay in contact with FEMA and other relief agencies. The SBC Foundation increased its matching-employee donation from $1 million to $2 million after unprecedented outburst of financial support from SBC employees. Along with the many SBC company employees making financial donations, more than 1,000 employees and retirees have also donated thousands of hours of their time at evacuation shelters helping victims connect with loved ones -- through phone calls or Internet site searches. The volunteers are continuing their efforts to assemble care packages and to sponsor donation drives.

SBC Communications Inc. is a Fortune 50 company whose subsidiaries, operating under the SBC brand, provide a full range of voice, data, networking, e-business, directory publishing and advertising, and related services to businesses, consumers and other telecommunications providers. SBC holds a 60 percent ownership interest in Cingular Wireless, which serves 51.6 million wireless customers. SBC companies provide high-speed DSL Internet access lines to more American consumers than any other provider and are among the nation's leading providers of Internet services. SBC companies also offer satellite TV service. Additional information about SBC and SBC products and services is available at www.sbc.com.