SNET Internet and Prodigy FAQ

Q. What is Prodigy?

A. 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 SNET, Southwestern Bell, Pacific Bell, Ameritech and Nevada Bell, 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 SNET.

Q. Why is SBC joining with Prodigy?

A. 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.

Q. Why will Prodigy Internet by SNET be better than my current Internet service?

A. You will have all the features SNET Internet offers today plus new features from Prodigy Internet by SNET -- 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.

Q. Will my email address change?

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

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

A. 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.

Q. Will I receive the same level of customer service?

A. 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.

Q. Will the customer service number change?

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

Q. Will I have to change any software?

A. Both Netscape and Internet Explorer can be used with Prodigy Internet by SNET just as you use it today.

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

A. The transition to Prodigy Internet by SNET will be virtually seamless, with no interruptions to your service. Your billing will not change and you'll continue to access the Internet and use email as you do today.

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

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

Q. Will Prodigy Internet by SNET cost more than I'm paying now?

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

Q. Will Prodigy continue to be an independent Internet Service Provider?

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

Q. Will I continue to be billed the same way?

A. Yes, you will continue to be billed for Internet service the same way your are billed today.

Q. Will the software upgrades change?

A. 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 SNET homepage. After you have transitioned to Prodigy, you will have a choice whether to download upgrades or receive a disk.

Q. Will my personalized start page change?

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

Q. Whose network will connect me to this new service?

A. 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.