SBC alliance with Prodigy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prodigy?

Prodigy is a leading Internet Service Provider (ISP) known for its sophisticated features such as Prodigy Instant Messaging. Prodigy and SBC, the parent company of Southwestern Bell, Pacific Bell, Ameritech, Nevada Bell and SNET, have joined their consumer Internet operations, making Prodigy the nation's third largest ISP and positioning it to best deliver the benefits of super-fast, always-on DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) broadband Internet access. Prodigy will be the exclusive ISP for all SBC companies. In your market, the service will be called Prodigy Internet by Nevada Bell.

Why is SBC joining with Prodigy?

This alliance creates one of the nation's top-tier Internet Service Providers - serving over two million customers. As a result, SBC and Prodigy will be in a better position than virtually any other ISP to deliver customers the Internet experience they've been asking for through high-speed DSL Internet access and aggressive deployment of next-generation services, such as personal videoconferencing; video-on-demand and home networking.

Why will Prodigy Internet by Nevada Bell be better than my current Internet service?

You will have all the features Nevada Bell Internet offers today plus new features from Prodigy Internet by Nevada Bell - at no additional charge.

When the deal closes, you will have access to Prodigy's proprietary and sophisticated services such as Prodigy Instant Messaging, Prodigy Chat and Prodigy Online Communities, online meeting places for Internet users with special interests. You also will now be able to access your e-mail from any computer, anywhere in the country thanks to Prodigy's free nationwide e-mail access feature, Prodigy MailLink.

You have the option to use an industry-leading Spanish-language portal, the country's first fully-bilingual Internet service featuring real-time English and Spanish homepage.

In the future, you can look forward to accelerated delivery of next-generation, broadband-powered products and services, such as personal videoconferencing.

Will my e-mail address change?

Your e-mail address will not change and you can continue to use e-mail services as you do today.

How will service be upgraded? Will dial-in numbers change? Will the Web portal address change?

You will likely dial-in to the same number, which will be re-directed to Prodigy start page, at www.Prodigy.net. You will not be required to download any software.

Will I receive the same level of customer service?

Absolutely - you will continue to be served by trained customer service representatives and provided with the answers and guidance that make your online experience easy and enjoyable.

Will the customer service number change?

No. We know customer service is critical to you, so support numbers will not change.

Will I have the option to use Netscape with this service?

Netscape can be used with Prodigy Internet by Nevada Bell just as you use it today. Prodigy also will support Internet Explorer.

How can you create a new business and maintain the existing one without causing service interruptions?

The transition to Prodigy Internet by Nevada Bell will be virtually seamless, with no interruptions to your service. You will continue to be billed through Nevada Bell or on your credit card, and you'll continue to access the Internet and use e-mail as you do today.

When will I transition to this new service?

The transition to Prodigy Internet by Nevada Bell will likely take place when the deal closes, which is expected to be 3 to 6 months from now.

How - and when - will I hear about this change - and what should I do now?

You will be kept informed through frequent communication via e-mail, online news and supplements to your Nevada Bell Internet Services account statement.

I'm also a business customer who has dedicated Internet access, will my service change?

This partnership affects only our dial-up customers and basic DSL Internet customers. There will be no change in service for our customers who subscribe to dedicated or premium DSL Internet access.

Will Prodigy Internet by Nevada Bell cost more than I'm paying now?

No, your monthly fee for Internet access will not change at this time.

Will Prodigy continue to be an independent Internet Service Provider?

Yes. Prodigy is a subsidiary of Prodigy Communications Corporation. SBC, parent company of Nevada Bell Internet Services, will own a 43 percent stake in Prodigy.

Will I continue to be billed the same way?

Yes, you will continue to be billed for Internet service the same way your are billed today, either through your credit card or local telephone bill, if that option is available in your service area.

Will the software upgrades change?

Initially there will be no software upgrades. When you dial-in, as you usually do, you will be pointed to the new Prodigy Internet by Nevada Bell homepage. After you have transitioned to Prodigy, you will have a choice whether to download upgrades or receive a disk.

Will Prodigy Internet by Nevada Bell offer DSL Internet service?

Yes. Prodigy Internet by Nevada Bell will offer SBC's industry-leading broadband DSL Internet service. SBC's current DSL Internet service features guaranteed connection speeds up to 200 times faster than traditional modems, for near instantaneous downloads of files and graphics, and always-on connections, which eliminate time-consuming dial-ups.

Will my personalized start page change?

Your start page will still be customized around the information you find most important. Prodigy Internet by Nevada Bell may package an upgraded look and feel, but your personal options and alternatives will be as broad and user-friendly as ever.

Whose network will connect me to this new service?

You will continue to have access to a top-rated advanced and highly reliable network. As part of this agreement, SBC will be the preferred provider of network services to Prodigy.

What if I don't want to migrate to Prodigy Internet by Nevada Bell. Is there a penalty for dropping the service?

Only if you have purchased the service for a special price that required a one-year term agreement.

What if I also disconnect my DSL Internet service? Is there a penalty?

The $49 a month DSL Internet package requires a one-year commitment, otherwise a termination fee is assessed. These agreements are still in effect.

I've recently purchased eMessage e-mail only. Will there be any changes to that service as well?

No.

Nevada Bell is a company of SBC Communications Inc., a global leader in the telecommunications industry, with more than 34 million access lines and over 5.8 million wireless customers across the United States, as well as investments in telecommunications businesses in 10 countries. Under the Southwestern Bell, Pacific Bell, Nevada Bell and Cellular One brands, SBC, through its subsidiaries, offers a wide range of innovative services, including local and long-distance telephone service, wireless communications, paging, Internet access, and messaging, as well as telecommunications equipment, and directory advertising and publishing. SBC (www.sbc.com) has more than 119,000 employees and reported 1997 revenues of nearly $25 billion. SBC's equity market value of $74 billion as of June 30, 1998, ranks it as one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world.

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