Williams Communications Group, Inc. (fka WCGR)

[jmhollen]

Williams Communications Signs Voice Services Agreement With Z-Tel to Provide Long Distance Traffic

TULSA, Okla., Apr 10, 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 an agreement with Z-Tel Communications, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Z-Tel Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZTEL, quote, news, chart).

Under the terms of the agreement, Williams Communications will be the primary interexchange carrier for Z-Tel's long distance voice traffic requirements. Williams Communications will carry the majority of Z-Tel's long distance residential voice traffic over its nationwide fiber-optic network. The deal is estimated to be worth up to $60 million over three years.

"Network outsourcing is a smart business strategy for companies like Z-Tel who are looking to lower costs and stay focused on their core business," said Frank Semple, chief operating officer, Williams Communications. "By utilizing Williams Communications' advanced, next-generation fiber-optic network, Z-Tel can focus on delivering services to its customers efficiently and cost-effectively."

Gregg Smith, president and chief executive officer for Z-Tel said, "Z-Tel went through a comprehensive process to identify a new primary carrier. Williams Communications was uniquely positioned to meet our current and future voice requirements at a cost savings to Z-Tel. Z-Tel and Williams Communications will partner to create a competitive advantage within the marketplace for both organizations."

About Williams Communications Group, Inc.

Based in Tulsa, Okla., Williams Communications 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 .

About Z-Tel

Z-Tel was founded in the wake of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. With the establishment of the Unbundled Network Element-Platform (UNE-P), competitive telecommunications companies became able to provide telephone service to end-users over the incumbent local telephone providers' network. Z-Tel was formed around UNE-P with the vision of developing technology that would imbue the home phone with "Intelligent Dial Tone," wherein home phone service can be personalized to meet consumers' diverse communications needs in an intelligent, intuitive way.

Z-Tel's flagship service, Z-LineHOME(TM), bundles local and long distance phone service with unlimited Member-to-Member(TM) long distance calling and Web-enhanced communications features, such as Find Me, a multiple-number call forwarding feature. Z-Tel currently offers Z-LineHOME service in 38 states, representing nearly 70% of the nation's total residential phone market. For more information about Z-Tel's innovative services or about Z-Tel, please visit the Company's Web site at www.ztel.com .

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Contact: Wendy Lea Williams Communications (media) [phone] [e-mail] Lindsay Hurley Williams Communications (investors) [phone] [e-mail] Sarah Bialk Z-Tel Communications, Inc. [phone] [e-mail]
SOURCE Williams Communications Group, Inc.; Z-Tel Communications, Inc.

CONTACT: media, Wendy Lea, [phone], or [e-mail] , or investors, Lindsay Hurley, [phone], or [e-mail] , both of Williams Communications Group, Inc.; or Sarah Bialk of Z-Tel Communications, Inc., [phone], or [e-mail] /Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/875550.html