February 28, 2002 -- SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC) applauded the vote by the U.S. House of Representatives in favor of H.R. 1542, the Internet Freedom and Broadband Development Act. SBC claimed that the lawmakers' passage of the legislation will help to deliver the benefits of high-speed Internet access to millions of American consumers and businesses.

Also, according to the company, the legislation would begin to create a level playing field among providers of broadband services, promoting investment in new broadband networks and technologies and ensuring a competitive marketplace for consumers.

"H.R. 1542 not only encourages investment by SBC and other telecommunications carriers, but will promote competition and have a significant ripple effect throughout the economy," said Edward E. Whitacre, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer, SBC Communications Inc. "That means American jobs, next generation technologies delivering advanced services to American consumers and billions of dollars added to the American economy."

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