SBC Communications Inc. has been named the American Society on Aging's (ASA) 2000 Business of the Year for its leadership in helping older adults become technology savvy and providing services that educate and empower senior adults. ASA, the largest professional association in the field of aging, recognized SBC's efforts during its 46th Annual Meeting on March 25, in San Diego, California.

"For more than 15 years, SBC has been a corporate partner in developing and supporting older adult initiatives on both a state and national level and we commend their efforts," says Patrick Cullinane, executive director for the ASA. "SBC recognizes the importance of making technology accessible to its customers, especially mature adults. They have demonstrated leadership in supporting programs and services that provide increased opportunities for older adults to learn how technology can make a difference in their lives," he added.

SBC supports initiatives through its subsidiaries in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Missouri and Texas. For example, the company formed a coalition with national, state and local consumer law-enforcement agencies to create Seniors Against Fraud, a campaign to educate older adults about telephone fraud and give them the necessary tools to protect themselves - and fight back.

Since 1991, the company has partnered with SeniorNet, a nonprofit organization of computer using adults aged 50 or older, to establish 36 SeniorNet Learning Centers in its Pacific Bell, Southwestern Bell and Southern New England Telephone (SNET) service territories. In September 1999, the company also helped launch the Southwestern Bell Scams and Fraud Center, an online consumer education center for older people on the SeniorNet Web site. It is the first initiative of its kind developed by a telecommunications company. SBC also supports technology showcases at local community events. In Missouri, Southwestern Bell offers the AgeWorks Technology Advocacy Project, a facility where seniors receive hands-on computer and software training.

"SBC is pleased to be recognized by the ASA," said Cassandra Carr, senior executive vice president, external affairs. "Mature adults are a vital part of society that can, and should, benefit from today's technology advancements. We will continue to form alliances with local and national senior advocacy groups that share our vision to educate senior adults about new technology."

SBC has the longest history of dedicating managers to working with older adult populations and informing them about telecommunications issues that benefit them. Since 1984, the company has supported seniors' telecommunications issues and provided services that educate and empower older adults.

SBC Communications Inc. (www.sbc.com) is a global communications leader. Through its subsidiaries - Southwestern Bell, Ameritech, Pacific Bell, SBC Telecom, Nevada Bell, SNET and Cellular One - and world-class network, SBC provides local and long-distance phone service, wireless and data communications, paging, high-speed Internet access and messaging, cable and satellite television, security services and telecommunications equipment, as well as directory advertising and publishing. In the United States, the company currently has 90.4 million voice grade equivalent lines, 11.2 million wireless customers and is undertaking a national expansion program that will bring SBC service to an additional 30 markets. Internationally, SBC has telecommunications investments in 23 countries. With more than 204,000 employees, SBC is the 13th largest employer in the U.S., with annual revenues that rank it among the largest Fortune 500 companies.

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