Southwestern Bell Internet's Dedication to the Year 2000 Issue

Most of us have heard or read concerns about what happens to computers when the Year 2000 arrives. It's been dubbed the Y2K problem. When computers and microchips were first created some 40 years ago, programmers often used two digits to refer to the year in a date -- such as "98". That memory- and cost-saving tactic was often not corrected. As a result, there's a possibility of computer confusion when the new century arrives. Some computers may not be able to distinguish between 2000 and 1900. Some microchip-based systems may need to be changed to avoid the computer confusion.

At Southwestern Bell Internet Services, we are updating our computer systems that need it -- we'll be ready when the new century arrives. Customers can rest assured when 2000 comes there will be no effect on the high quality service we provide.

We've been preparing and making the necessary changes for Y2K, devoting the resources, people and planning needed. Just like we approach all changes in our business, we're using a disciplined process:

identify and assess all our hardware, software and data

make necessary code conversions and system upgrades

test the changes

implement changes into our systems

We're taking steps outside our company, as well. We joined the National Telco Year 2000 Forum. And we initiated an aggressive vendor compliance process to be sure our vendors are working on the Y2K issue.

For additional Year 2000 information, please visit our corporate website at http://www.sbc.com/year2000.