ATLANTA, May 5, 2020 – Southern Telecom, Inc., a subsidiary of Southern Company, announced the appointment of industry veteran Michael E. Britt as Southern Telecom president & CEO, effective immediately. Britt will lead Southern Telecom as the company continues to provide long-haul and metropolitan dark fiber connecting Atlanta with other cities throughout the Southeast. In addition to leading the Southern Telecom business, Britt is responsible for the continued development of the telecommunications infrastructure strategy   for Southern Company’s electric utilities. This includes supporting systemwide and individual operating company efforts to advance telecommunications infrastructure for future digitization needs and for identifying opportunities to grow telecom revenue. Britt follows Tami Barron as president of Southern Telecom. Barron continues to serve as President and CEO of Southern Linc, another Southern Company subsidiary.

The executive appointment of Britt comes at a critical time for the company as STI works to address and meet new industry challenges presented by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“At this pivotal time in the history of telecom for Southern Company, I am honored to serve as STI’s new President and CEO,” comments Mr. Britt.  “In this time of uncertainty and significantly increased bandwidth needs as telecommuting increases rapidly around the world, STI has taken a proactive approach to listen to our customers’ needs and provide reliable dark fiber that can facilitate last mile connections across the Southeast. Additionally, as we look at the ever-expanding role that data, automation and the internet of things play in our world, I see great opportunities for Southern Telecom’s dark fiber network.”

Britt rejoined Southern Company in 2015 as vice president of the Energy Innovation Center to focus on developing and commercializing products and services that benefit system customers. While at Southern Company during the late 1990s, he served as assistant to the chief information officer, director of mass market strategy and vice president of Southern Telecom.

Wayne Ellis, General Manager to retire after 22 years at Southern Telecom

In conjunction with the announcement of Britt’s appointment, Southern Telecom also announced the retirement of General Manager Wayne Ellis, leader of Southern Telecom’s daily operations since its formation in 1998. Prior to serving at Southern Telecom, Ellis served Southern Company in sales and marketing, market research and planning, distribution operations, and power generation project development. Ellis will retire from Southern Company in late June.

“Over the past 22 years, Wayne and his team have grown the Southern Telecom dark fiber business into a robust enterprise that has contributed to the success of Southern Company,” commented Britt. “He will be greatly missed by all who have benefited from his dedication to Southern Telecom and Southern Company.”

Southern Telecom and COVID-19

Southern Telecom has implemented remote management of its dark fiber network to protect the health of its employees. Sales personnel are available to assist customers by telephone and email. Every employee who can work from home is doing so. Field teams are applying safe work practices to their tasks as they continue to provide onsite network support where needed.

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About Southern Telecom

Southern Telecom, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company that provides long-haul and metropolitan dark fiber connecting Atlanta with other cities throughout the Southeast. The company also provides network elements such as access to rights of way, conduit, neutral co-location, and other related maintenance services. Southern Telecom is certificated as a telecommunications provider in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and at the Federal level. For more information about Southern Telecom, visit www.southern-telecom.com.    

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy company serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries as of Jan. 1, 2019. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For more than a century, we have been building the future of energy and developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation and a low-carbon future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries develop the customized energy solutions our customers and communities require to drive growth and prosperity. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, Forbes and the Women’s Choice Award. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

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