SouthernLINC Wireless - Press Release

SouthernLINC Wireless Supports CTIA’s
National Wireless Safety Week

ATLANTA – June 4, 2009 – SouthernLINC Wireless, a Southern Company (NYSE: SO), today announced it will observe National Wireless Safety Week, which begins Monday, June 8.

Since 1990, CTIA – The Wireless Association® and its member companies have sponsored this annual weeklong endeavor, which highlights the significant role wireless technology plays in enhancing public and personal safety. As a CTIA member, SouthernLINC Wireless supports the association in its effort to raise awareness about wireless safety, including empowering consumers to use this technology wisely.
 
“With the number of U.S. wireless subscribers and wireless-only households at an all-time high, most Americans now have the ability to communicate virtually anytime and anywhere with anyone,” said Bob Dawson, president and CEO of SouthernLINC Wireless. “However, that freedom also comes with accountability – wireless safety must be made a habit, especially when behind the wheel.

“Whether driving on a major highway or neighborhood street, SouthernLINC Wireless suggests pulling over to make or take calls and minimizing phone usage while in the driver’s seat. However, if that is not possible, using a hands-free solution, such as a headset or speakerphone, is a wireless safety practice that is easy to incorporate.”

For more than a decade, SouthernLINC Wireless has been committed to educating residents of the Southeast about the responsible operation of wireless devices. The carrier encourages consumers to mark this year’s National Wireless Safety Week by integrating the following tips from CTIA into their daily driving routines:

• Be responsible behind the wheel by not texting while driving.
• Get to know your wireless device and its features, such as speed dial and redial.
• Position your wireless device within easy reach.
• Assess the traffic and drive sensibly by placing calls when you are not moving.
• Let the person you are speaking with know you are driving; if necessary, suspend the call in heavy traffic or hazardous weather conditions.
• Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving.
• Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that might divert your attention from the road.
• Dial 911 or other local emergency numbers to report serious emergencies.
• Use your wireless phone to help others in emergencies.
• Call roadside assistance or a special non-emergency wireless number when necessary.

For more information about using wireless devices safely, please visit www.cita.org and www.southernlinc.com/community.

About SouthernLINC Wireless
SouthernLINC Wireless, a Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is an Atlanta-based regional wireless carrier with network coverage in the major metro and rural areas of Alabama, Georgia, southeast Mississippi and northwest Florida. SouthernLINC Wireless bundles multiple communication options, including Push To Talk two-way radio, cellular service, text messaging, wireless Internet access and wireless data, into one hand-held device. For more information, please call 1-800-818-LINC (5462) or visit www.southernlinc.com.

About Southern Company
With 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is the premier energy company serving the Southeast. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are below the national average. Southern Company is consistently listed among the top U.S. electric service providers in customer satisfaction by the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Visit our Web site at www.southerncompany.com.

About CTIA – The Wireless Association
CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. For more information, visit www.ctia.org.