Loan Prepayment From KPN

Bellsouth Corp
22 April 2003



For immediate release

Media Contact:

Jeff Battcher

BellSouth

404-249-2793



     BellSouth receives net proceeds of $1.5 billion in prepayment from KPN


ATLANTA, April 22, 2003 - BellSouth Corporation (NYSE: BLS) announced today that
it has received net proceeds of approximately $1.5 billion resulting from an
early repayment by KPN of the entire outstanding balance of the loan BellSouth
had extended to KPN as part of their restructuring agreement dated January 30,
2002. The full face value of the loan was repaid, including accrued interest.

About BellSouth Corporation

BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications services company
headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, serving more than 44 million customers in the
United States and 14 other countries.

Consistently recognized for customer satisfaction, BellSouth provides a full
array of broadband data solutions to large, medium and small businesses. In the
residential market, BellSouth offers DSL high-speed Internet access, advanced
voice features and other services. BellSouth also offers long distance service
throughout its markets, serving both business and residential customers. The
company's BellSouth AnswersSM package combines local and long distance service
with an array of calling features; wireless data, voice and e-mail services; and
high-speed DSL or dial-up Internet service. BellSouth also provides online and
directory advertising services through BellSouth(R) RealPages.comSM and The Real
Yellow Pages(R).

BellSouth owns 40 percent of Cingular Wireless, the nation's second largest
wireless company, which provides innovative data and voice services.


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