- New relationships help expand DIRECTV across BellSouth service area -
ATLANTA, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BellSouth (NYSE: BLS) today
announced that it has entered into non-exclusive agreements with DirecTECH
and MasTec, Inc. (NYSE: MTZ), DIRECTV Master System Operators, to jointly
market and deploy DIRECTV(R) services to the residential multi-dwelling
unit (MDU) market in BellSouth's service area.
Under these agreements, BellSouth, together with DirecTECH and MasTec,
will offer voice, data and DIRECTV programming packages specifically
designed for the MDU market. Joint proposals and coordinated deployment of
services will provide multi-family developers and homeowners associations
with a full menu of premium residential technology services that will
result in time and cost savings to residents.
"BellSouth's comprehensive portfolio of voice and data products,
combined with the specialized DIRECTV experience of DirecTECH and MasTec,
provides the multi-dwelling unit market with a dependable source for the
services that meet its specific needs," said Phil Jacobs, president -
Community Technologies, BellSouth. "As a result of these agreements,
developers, managers and residents of multi-dwelling developments in the
Southeast receive reliable phone and Internet services and unique digital
programming such as NFL Sunday Ticket and Spanish language channels."
The approach to serving residential multi-family developments is
markedly different from the residential single-family market. Because
voice, video and data services require wiring and equipment installed in
common areas, multi- family developers and homeowners associations prefer
to contract with a team that can efficiently deliver the services they
need. Similarly, residents of multi-family developments, if given the
option, are more apt to subscribe to technology services from providers
with simplified solutions.
"Teaming with BellSouth immediately enables DirecTECH to gain sales
opportunities with BellSouth customers and vice versa," said Mark
Cunningham, director of MDU, DirecTECH. "The joint marketing agreement
creates a unique and powerful bundle when the companies approach
communities together."
The combination of BellSouth's communications products and reputation
and DirecTECH's and MasTec's video products and experience with MDU
properties uniquely position all three companies to meet the demanding
service and reliability requirements of today's developers.
"Builders and residents desire a simple, triple-play solution and the
teaming arrangement with BellSouth accomplishes just that," said Jose R.
Mas, vice chairman and executive vice president - Business Development,
MasTec. "The best in voice, data and video have aligned and end users are
the beneficiaries."
About BellSouth Corporation
BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 500 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 57.3 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 print and online directory advertising through The Real Yellow
Pages(R) and YELLOWPAGES.COM(TM) from BellSouth.
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.
About DirecTECH
DirecTECH offers a multi-channel video service solution to apartments
and condominiums utilizing DIRECTV services. Additionally, DirecTECH is one
of the largest Home Service Providers (installation fulfillment companies)
for DIRECTV, with operations in twenty-one states.
About MasTec
MasTec (http://www.mastec.com) is a leading specialty contractor
operating throughout the United States and in Canada across a range of
industries. The Company's core activities are the building, installation,
maintenance and upgrade of communication and utility infrastructure
systems.
SOURCE BellSouth Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.bellsouth.com
http://www.mastec.com
CONTACT:
Todd Smith of BellSouth, +1-404-829-8723, or
todd.smith@bellsouth.com
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