The ratings on SBC Communications Inc. reflect the healthy cash flows from its core telephone operating companies and the strength of its wireless segment. The wireless business is comprised of a 60% economic share in Cingular Wireless LLC, which SBC owns in a jointly controlled partnership with BellSouth Corp. SBC has focused its efforts in 2002 on growing its data and broadband service offerings and customer base, including digital subscriber line (DSL) services, in combination with expansion of its long-distance subscriber base. The company had nearly 2 million DSL customers at Sept. 30, 2002, and is expected to continue to focus on DSL deployment in its more densely populated areas. As of Sept. 30, 2002, SBC was also providing long-distance
