Williams Communications Group, Inc. (fka WCGR)

[sdhollen]

Williams Communications Tops Next-Generation Carriers in Atlantic-ACM's 2002 'Wholesale Carrier Report Card'
Company Places First or Second in Every Category, Underscoring Its Co

TULSA, Okla., May 14, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Reinforcing its position as one of the industry's leading broadband providers, Williams Communications (OTC Bulletin Board: WCGRQ) has performed exceptionally in Atlantic-ACM's 2002 "Wholesale Carrier Report Card," placing first or second in each of the six survey categories and leading all next-generation carriers. The study, conducted by telecom analyst firm Atlantic-ACM in November and December 2001, asked 600 wholesale customers to rank their network service provider based on customer service, products, network, billing, pricing and provisioning.


Williams Communications was the leader in the customer service area, improving its performance by 28 percent from the 2001 study. In this category, customers rated carriers on professionalism, information/technical expertise, responsiveness, proactive/consultative selling, and marketing support.


"These scores reflect superior service and clear satisfaction with Williams Communications. By remaining committed to improving customer service and operations, Williams Communications should remain a strong player in the wholesale arena," said Judy Reed-Smith, chief executive officer of Atlantic- ACM.


Williams Communications also placed first in the provisioning and pricing categories, both key elements that will affect wholesalers' success in customer retention, according to Atlantic-ACM. In the provisioning category, which measures the time it takes to turn up network service and the simplicity and effectiveness of the ordering system, Williams Communications improved its position by 67 percent compared to the 2001 study, surpassing larger, more established carriers.


"Williams Communications is committed to providing exceptional customer service and achieving operational excellence. This survey confirms we are reaching our goals and exceeding our customers' expectations," said Frank Semple, chief operating officer for Williams Communications. "As we move through our restructuring efforts, customers can be assured that we will remain dedicated to delivering the superior network services they require."


For further information about the Atlantic-ACM "Wholesale Carrier Report Card and Industry Analysis 2002-2006," visit http://www.atlantic-acm.com/indrpts/curntrpts.htm .


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 .


About ATLANTIC-ACM, Inc.


ATLANTIC-ACM, founded in the early 1980s, is an international strategy, consulting and research firm serving emerging and converging networked communications industries worldwide. We offer authoritative reports on the telecommunications industry and proprietary consulting to companies in telecommunications information industries worldwide, as well as merger and acquisition counsel. For more information, visit www.atlantic-acm.com


Certain statements made by Williams Communications in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" that are made in reliance on the "safe harbor" protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or indicated. For more detail regarding such risks and uncertainties, please refer to Williams Communications' periodic reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.



Contacts: Patty McKissick Williams Communications (media) [phone] [e-mail] Lindsay Hurley Williams Communications (investors) [phone] [e-mail] MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X19373635


SOURCE Williams Communications Group, Inc.


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