Not just because I was a denizen at old Ma Bell, or because I harbour an irrational hatred for Verizon, but primarily for the "I told you so" pleasure of it, a report of news that AT&T (SBC that is) is buying Bell South:

AT&T near $65 bln deal to buy BellSouth
Plan to aqquire No.3 regional phone company could be announced Monday.
March 5, 2006: 7:50 AM EST

LONDON (Reuters) – U.S. telecoms group AT&T is planning to acquire No.3 U.S. regional telephone company BellSouth, U.S. newspapers reported on Sunday, adding a deal worth $65 billion could be announced as early as Monday.

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Update: AT&T confirms.