August, 2001 Update
BellSouth Public Communications To Operate Until December 31, 2003
BellSouth has made the decision to extend its transition period into 2003 based on several factors. These include requests by some of our customers, including several large customers with contracts that extend into 2003, that would like for BellSouth Public Communications to extend the previously announced exit date. In addition, this new schedule allows more time for our location provider customers to identify other technologies or to select an alternative provider from the scores of independent payphone providers in the southeast.
Over the next two and half years, BellSouth Public Communications will continue to offer high-quality payphone services to its location provider customers and will work with those customers to help them make decisions about their future service needs. BellSouth values its customers and hopes they will continue to take advantage of the high-quality products and services available from BellSouth.
February, 2001
Location Provider Payphone Services From BellSouth To Be Discontinued By December 31, 2002
Due to downward trends in payphone usage, BellSouth plans to discontinue providing services to its payphone location provider customers by December 31, 2002.
BellSouth began notifying these customers nearly two years in advance to allow sufficient opportunity for the identification of other technologies, or the selection of an alternative provider from hundreds of independent payphone providers in the southeast.
Payphone usage declines are the primary drivers of BellSouth's decision to exit the business. Prior to making this decision, BellSouth carefully evaluated market trends in the payphone industry. These trends indicated customers are opting for new technology options, such as wireless telephones and personal communications devices.
Existing Payphone Accounts
BellSouth is currently not selling any of its routes, accounts or locations to other payphone services providers. We will comply with existing agreements with our location provider customers and expect reciprocal arrangements on the part of these customers.
BellSouth Business Payphone Service
BellSouth provides Business Payphone Service to customers who need a payphone for the convenience of their own customers and employees. With this service, customers can have a payphone installed at their site by paying a one-time installation charge and a monthly maintenance fee.
BellSouth Business Payphone Service will be offered to customers until December 31, 2002. For additional information, call our BellSouth Public Communications customer service center at 1-800-451-2646.
Sales of Surplus Payphone Equipment
BellSouth will sell its surplus and scrap payphone equipment once this equipment is completely removed from location provider premises. The BellSouth Investment Recovery Center (BSIRC) is authorized to process sales of this equipment to interested parties.
Customers who are interested in purchasing surplus payphone equipment can access the BSIRC web site at http://surplus.bellsouth.com. Once there, select "RFQs." This is the site where all payphone equipment sales and bids will be posted. Customers are encouraged to keep checking this site because updated information on equipment availability will be posted from time to time.
Specific requests for information on the purchase of surplus payphone equipment may be e-mailed to the BSIRC at the following address: surplus.bellsouth@bellsouth.com.
Sales of Payphone Equipment in Existing Locations
BellSouth works directly with its location provider customers – and/or their new payphone providers who have a valid contract or Letter of Agreement – on the sale of payphone equipment in existing locations. This helps to ensure a smooth transition when payphone service is changed over to the new payphone services provider.
BellSouth location providers may initiate this process by contacting the BellSouth Payphone Service Center at 1-800-451-2646.
Certification as a Payphone Provider
Some location provider customers may want to provide public payphone services at their own locations as an Independent Payphone Provider (IPP). If you desire to become an IPP, you should take steps to ensure that you comply with any applicable state regulatory requirements such as IPP certification. Such requirements vary by state.
In BellSouth franchised areas, you may contact the BellSouth Independent Payphone Provider Center via the following toll-free numbers:
| 780-2171 | (for calls originating in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina) | |
| 557-2647 | (for calls originating in Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee). |
For Additional Information
For more information, please call our BellSouth Public Communications customer service center at 1-800-451-2646 to speak with one of our representatives. Or, if you prefer, you may e-mail us at public.majorac@bellsouth.com.