SouthernLINC Wireless Sponsors The First Tee of Tuscaloosa

SouthernLINC Wireless, a Southern Company (NYSE: SO), today announced its sponsorship of The First Tee of Tuscaloosa, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. "SouthernLINC Wireless is a tremendous force in Tuscaloosa; the company not only cares for its customers, but also for its community,” said Mike Shivetts, director of The First Tee of Tuscaloosa. "The company's consideration and concern shines through with the sponsorship of a program like ours, which teaches children how to become productive citizens with strong social skills.” The First Tee of Tuscaloosa is a chapter of The First Tee, an international nonprofit organization with more than 2.2 million participants. What separates The First Tee from other junior programs is its activity-based approach to teaching not only the skills and fundamentals of golf, but also character-building life skills education. More than 400 children between the ages of six and 18 currently participate in The First Tee of Tuscaloosa program, where they are taught nine core values: courtesy, judgment, perseverance, responsibility, confidence, respect, sportsmanship, integrity and honesty. "We are honored to support the education and development of children in the Tuscaloosa community,” said Bob Dawson, president and chief executive officer of SouthernLINC Wireless. "SouthernLINC Wireless employees live, work and play in the same cities and towns as our customers. That's why we sponsor organizations like The First Tee of Tuscaloosa -- it's just another way of showing how much we appreciate our customers who are also our neighbors.” The First Tee of Tuscaloosa's annual fundraising golf tournament, "The Benefit,” will be held July 12 at Ol' Colony Golf Complex on Old Colony Road in Tuscaloosa, Ala. An estimated 200 golfers from the Tuscaloosa area are expected to participate. "The kids in The First Tee program learn that golf is a lot like life -- sometimes you get a good bounce and sometimes your ball rolls into the rough,” said John Gray, head golf professional at Ol' Colony Golf Complex. "Golf also teaches them that no matter what happens in the game or in life, you have to stay positive, believe in yourself and do your best to achieve your goals. "Ol' Colony sincerely appreciates our corporate sponsors, because without companies like SouthernLINC Wireless, we would not have the opportunity to make a difference in these children's lives.” About SouthernLINC Wireless SouthernLINC Wireless, a Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is an Atlanta-based regional wireless carrier covering the major metro and rural areas in Alabama, Georgia, southeastern Mississippi and northwest Florida. SouthernLINC Wireless bundles multiple communication options into one phone including Push to Talk two-way radio, cellular service, text messaging, wireless Internet access and wireless data. More information about SouthernLINC Wireless can be obtained by calling 1-800-818-LINC (5462) or visiting the SouthernLINC Wireless Web site at www.southernlinc.com. About Southern Company With nearly 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is the premier energy company serving the Southeast, one of America's fastest-growing regions. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are significantly below the national average. Southern Company has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for nine consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Visit our Web site at www.southerncompany.com. About The First Tee The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, Fla. at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.2 million participants and students in 48 states and four international locations -- Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore. Former President George Bush serves as honorary chairman. About Ol' Colony Golf Complex and the Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority Ol' Colony Golf Complex, designed by Jerry Pate, is considered to be one of the best public courses in the nation and was named one of the "Top Five Best New Public Courses in America” by Golf Digest. The heavily wooded, 18-hole course sits on 597 acres and is considered one of the area's most challenging and visually appealing golf courses with its rolling hills, tall pines and soaring oaks. Ol' Colony is a division of the Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA). PARA is a county-wide, non-profit agency funded by Tuscaloosa County and the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport, whose mission is to provide safe, clean and beautiful facilities, parks and open spaces, along with professionally managed leisure activities for all people and to enrich the quality of life, provide economic value and encourage long-term community stability and growth. For more information about PARA, please visit www.tcpara.org.