BellSouth Network Supports Wireless Data Service for Media at Kennedy Space Center, Delivers Coverage of Shuttle Launch to World

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 2,500 journalists are expected tomorrow at Kennedy Space Center and, for the first time, many will write and submit stories over a wireless data network that covers the six-acre NASA Press Site. The wireless data solution was created specifically for this launch by Nortel and is linked to the Internet by high-speed dedicated circuits from BellSouth.

With the wireless data network in place, reporters on the ground will have the flexibility to use their wireless-enabled laptops and handheld computing devices to seamlessly and securely access the Internet, e-mail, file sharing and other applications. Designed to deliver user mobility, the Wireless Mesh Network will provide reporters with secure and continuous access to the Internet while moving throughout the observation area, increasing productivity by allowing them to report on the story in real-time.

"The world's media will witness NASA's return to flight of Space Shuttle Discovery and the STS-114 crew," said Mike Rein, Chief, Media Services at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla. "The press viewing area will have the full range of communications needed to bring the launch to the nearly 500 million people around the world expected to view this event."

For the Return to Flight mission, the first shuttle launch since January 2003, BellSouth has installed upgraded circuits to serve the media with high- speed connections including DSL, T-1s and DS3s (45Mbps of dedicated bandwidth, commonly used for transmission of large amounts of data including video). Many of these circuits are run directly to the hurricane-rated structures that house individual news organizations, constructed after the last launch for additional safety at the NASA Press Site. These connections are utilized by news organizations for dedicated voice, data and video circuits that link headquarters locations to the reporters onsite.

"BellSouth has a history of delivering unmatched service to its customers, regardless of size and level of need," said Marshall Criser, president - Florida Operations, BellSouth. "International sporting, political and scientific events like tomorrow's launch generate opportunities for BellSouth to indirectly serve viewers and readers around the world on a scale that very few providers can replicate. We're proud to be part of this historic launch."

For more information about BellSouth Business voice and data solutions, visit http://www.bellsouthlargebusiness.com/.

About BellSouth Corporation

BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 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 more than 50 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 online and directory advertising through BellSouth(R) RealPages.com(R) and The Real Yellow Pages(R).

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/.