Williams Communications Group, Inc. (fka WCGR)

[jmhollen]

Williams Communications Signs Agreement to Carry HDNet Programming
HDNet Adds to List of Global Media and Entertainment Companies
Utilizing Williams Communications' Network

TULSA, Okla., Mar 27, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Williams Communications (OTC Bulletin Board: WCGR), a leading provider of broadband services to bandwidth-centric customers, today announced it has signed a multi-year deal to transmit HDNet's programming over its fiber-optic network from the HDNet Broadcast Center in Denver to DIRECTV's broadcast center in Los Angeles. HDNet, co-founded by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Philip Garvin of Colorado Studios, is the world's only national television network broadcasting all high-definition content. Broadcast on DIRECTV channel 199, HDNet programming includes a wide variety of live and taped shows including sporting events, concerts, documentaries, music videos, movies and special events.

"As new and innovative services, such as HDNet, continue to proliferate in the broadcast and media space, the need for a service provider that has a unique understanding and experience with the 'mission-critical' nature of this kind of content is clear," said Matthew Bross, senior vice president and general manager of Emerging Markets for Williams Communications. "Our network has been carrying media content for global media and entertainment companies, studios, post-production and special effects houses for 12 years giving us unrivaled experience and expertise."

The combination of Williams Communications' network services with its Internet and media services, which include integrated transmission services, digital media management, content gathering and distribution, managed web hosting and streaming, gives the company a comprehensive set of services that is unique in the industry.

"As the industry leader in broadcasting high definition programming, HDNet needs a reliable high-bandwidth network to transmit our programming to DIRECTV," said HDNet co-founder Mark Cuban. "Williams Communications has the experience we need to ensure that HDTV customers with DIRECTV are able to enjoy HDNet's sports and entertainment programming all day, every day."

Williams Communications was the first company to transmit a live broadcast over a fiber-optic network in 1990 and currently provides broadcast transmission services for 80 percent of all live professional sports events, including the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA and NHL Championships; and 65 percent of all live news special events, including the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards and Emmys. Williams Communications provides more than 252,000 video feeds for its customers annually and also delivers more than 2.75 million spot advertisements to radio and television stations each year.

About Williams Communications Group, Inc.

Based in Tulsa, Okla., Williams Communications Group, Inc., is a leading broadband network services provider focused on the needs of bandwidth-centric customers. Williams Communications operates the largest, most efficient, next-generation network in North America. Connecting 125 U.S. cities and reaching five continents, Williams Communications provides customers with unparalleled local-to-global connectivity. By leveraging its infrastructure, best-in-breed technology, connectivity and network and broadband media expertise, Williams Communications supports the bandwidth demands of leading communications companies around the globe. For more information, visit www.williamscommunications.com .

Contact: Jeff Pounds Williams Communications (media) [phone] [e-mail] Lindsay Hurley Williams Communications (investors) [phone] [e-mail]

SOURCE Williams Communications Group, Inc.

CONTACT: media, Jeff Pounds, [phone], or [e-mail] , or investors, Lindsay Hurley, [phone], or [e-mail] , both of Williams Communications Group, Inc.

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