SBC Renames R&D Arm SBC Labs

AUSTIN, Texas -- SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE: SBC) today announced its research and development arm will be renamed SBC Laboratories. The division, formerly named SBC Technology Resources, Inc. (TRI), will continue its focus on applied research - the development of next-generation products and services that can immediately benefit customers.

"Our new name better articulates what the mission of this organization has been for more than 15 years," said Keith Cambron, president and CEO of SBC Laboratories. "Simply put, our goal is to use leading-edge technology to create real solutions that can make a positive impact on how our customers communicate."

SBC Laboratories is the lead research and development entity in the creation of wireless and wireline solutions for SBC Communications Inc. and Cingular Wireless. The division is organized around four key technology areas: Broadband Internet, Wireless Systems, Network Services, and Enterprise IT.

The organization's current research focuses on several technologies that have the potential to dramatically enhance communications capabilities for businesses and consumers for years to come, including voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), fiber-optic technologies, and network and Internet security. SBC Laboratories also will play a primary role in the evaluation and development of Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) technology in the coming months, as SBC Communications and other communications companies initiate an RFP process for recently announced common technical specifications.

In addition, SBC Laboratories is leading a collaborative effort to develop new security technologies to further protect critical telecommunications networks from security vulnerabilities. Late last year, the organization established the Internet Assurance and Security Center (IASC) to research new security concepts in cooperation with major telecommunications providers and academic groups.

In past years, SBC's research organization has played a key role in development and commercialization of technologies that shape consumer and business communications today, including broadband services and wireless communications. In fact, one of SBC Laboratories milestone contributions includes the development and deployment of packet technologies - a foundational building block in Internet transport for the exchange of traffic between Internet carriers.

SBC Communications Inc.