SouthernLINC Wireless - Press Releases

SouthernLINC Wireless and State of Alabama Renew Long-Standing Partnership

State Selects Regional Carrier Based on Experience, Technology Solutions and Coverage

ATLANTA – November 1, 2006 – SouthernLINC Wireless®, a Southern Company (NYSE: SO), today announced that it has been selected as the official communications partner for the State of Alabama. The deal solidifies a contract-based relationship that began in 1997.

“The continuation of our longtime working relationship with the State of Alabama is a testament to the quality of our service, and the experience and dedication of our team,” said Bob Dawson, president and CEO of SouthernLINC Wireless. “This was a highly competitive selection process and we’re thrilled to have been chosen.”

As a result of this agreement, all local agencies and municipalities using the SouthernLINC Wireless system will be able to quickly and easily connect with state officials via the Push to Talk service, which is extremely beneficial during emergencies. SouthernLINC Wireless has a proven track record of being a trusted partner during crucial times. The company’s robust Push to Talk service was the predominant means of communicating in certain hard-hit areas in the wake of Hurricanes Opal, Ivan, Dennis and Katrina.

SouthernLINC Wireless has deep experience serving public sector and government agencies in Alabama. In fact, it was founded to support the needs of Southern Company’s utility subsidiaries, so ensuring reliability in both metropolitan and rural areas has always been essential.

Under the terms of the agreement, state and local agencies have access to SouthernLINC Wireless’s full suite of wireless technology solutions. In addition to a growing portfolio of mobile phones, the State of Alabama also has access to a host of wireless data devices and vehicle location solutions. Using SouthernLINC Wireless phones connected to laptops in their vehicles, officials can access national and state crime data including outstanding warrants or fines. Additionally, SouthernLINC Wireless offers wireless Internet location devices that can be installed on vehicles. This service, iTRAK, is a GPS-based system designed by Data Burst Technologies, that transmits vehicle location information over the SouthernLINC Wireless packet data network. Users can view specific vehicle information and take advantage of many features including mapping, remote configuration, and reporting for every vehicle with an iTRAK device.

SouthernLINC Wireless provides integrated services using Motorola's iDEN® technology including Push to Talk, phone service, text messaging and data access. What’s more, earlier this year SouthernLINC Wireless announced its intent to offer BlackBerry devices, which will also be made available to the State of Alabama.

About SouthernLINC Wireless
SouthernLINC Wireless, a Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is an Atlanta-based regional wireless carrier covering the major metro and rural areas in Alabama, Georgia, southeastern Mississippi and northwest Florida. SouthernLINC Wireless bundles multiple communication options into one phone including push to talk, cellular service, text messaging, wireless Internet access and wireless data. More information about SouthernLINC Wireless can be obtained by calling 1-800-818-LINC (5462) or visiting the SouthernLINC Wireless Web site at www.southernlinc.com.

About Southern Company
With 4.3 million customers and more than 41,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is the premier energy company serving the Southeast, one of America’s fastest-growing regions. 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 significantly below the national average. Southern Company has received the highest ranking in customer satisfaction among U.S. electric service providers for seven consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Visit our Web site at www.southerncompany.com.