SBC Communications Statement Regarding Texas House and Senate Passing Telecom and Video Legislation

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 10, 2005--The Texas House today voted 144-1 to approve legislation that reforms the state's telecommunications laws and establishes rules that encourage new competitors to enter the TV market. The Texas Senate last night also approved the bill. The measure now goes to the governor. The following statement can be attributed to SBC Texas (NYSE:SBC) President Jan Newton:

"This action is a testament to the legislature's commitment to Texas consumers. This is a new era of communications - one marked by new technologies, unprecedented choice and unparalleled convenience. Lawmakers recognize the potential in this marketplace and have moved to seize on its opportunities and promise.

“This action is a testament to the legislature's commitment to Texas consumers. This is a new era of communications - one marked by new technologies, unprecedented choice and unparalleled convenience. Lawmakers recognize the potential in this marketplace and have moved to seize on its opportunities and promise.”

"Nowhere is this promise greater than in Texas, which today demonstrated again that the voice of the consumer rises above all others. By passing this bill, lawmakers have encouraged new competitors - using new technologies - to build broadband infrastructure and provide a next-generation video alternative to cable.

"Video represents the next great frontier in our industry. As we have seen in long distance, wireless, high-speed Internet and local service, competition means better prices and better products for consumers.

"We applaud both legislative chambers. We are anxious to move ahead with our broadband and video initiatives in Texas and believe final approval of the bill will enable us to even more aggressively invest in next-generation technologies in the state. We are hopeful that policymakers elsewhere will take similar measures so consumers will win with more competitive choices and next-generation video services."

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.